Epidemiologists are individuals who have the personality of a ?medical detective? in that they are able to design and participate in biomedical research studies to investigate what people do, or are exposed to that either increases or decreases their risk of acquiring a disease as well as the process of moving toward optimum health. The epidemiologist studies the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. The process of conducting epidemiologic research incorporates the use of statistical techniques and an understanding of environmental, genetic, and social characteristics important in disease development and spread. The investigative techniques employed by the epidemiologist has become an integral part of public health with epidemiologic findings that permeate all fields of public health. 1.5 to 2 years (6 to 8 quarters)