What can you see as being a big need in the future in the field of public health?
2007-01-23 06:01:22 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I work in public health as an epidemiologist. The big areas of growth I can see are in chronic disease research. Cancer and HIV are "glamorous" fields to be in right now. Diabetes is an emerging problem that relates to that bigger problem of obesity, which threatens to sink the entire post-industrial public health system. The burden of these diseases on our population is HUGE. They take millions of people out of our workforces, economies and POPULATIONS (i.e., they die) annually. Care for chronic illnesses is expensive, so a lot of research is being done to find cheaper, more efficient ways to handle them.
Another big trend (that is kinda starting to ebb) is in disatster preparedness and bioterrorism. Gotta keep people safe from mailable anthrax and air-dispersed smallpox. In the wake of 9/11, a lot of $$$ were thrown towards all grants bioterror-related. It's a sign of the times we live in.
Ideally, I'd like to see the future of public health point towards PREVENTIVE medicine. Preventing diseases will drastically reduce the burden of cost because fewer people will need things like expensive maintenance drugs, machinery to keep them alive or long-term care.
2007-01-23 08:03:56 · answer #1 · answered by Gumdrop Girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a great career path for you. We have a population that is growing sicker with each year. Diabetes and heart disease are at epidemic rates and the need for public health program and professional is only going to get more accute. If you are thinking of public nursing or health counseling - go for it!
good luck
2007-01-23 06:11:49 · answer #2 · answered by Sciencemom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on if the govt wants to keep funding it.
2007-01-23 06:07:16 · answer #3 · answered by zaeli22 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋