Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the branch of medicine that studies the causes and patterns of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is used to identify risk factors for disease, and to prevent and control outbreaks of disease. It is a cornerstone of public health, and helps health practitioners and policy makers develop strategies to improve health and reduce the risk of disease. Epidemiologic research can provide important insights into the cause of disease and inform the development of effective intervention programs to improve population health.