MS in Epidemiology Director's Message | Icahn School of Medicine

PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION

As you consider epidemiology as a career path, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our Master of Science in Epidemiology program and provide you with a glimpse of what lies ahead in your academic journey. Epidemiology is a scientific discipline that plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing the health challenges and disparities faced by populations worldwide. Epidemiology is more than a scientific discipline; it is a calling to serve humanity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of well-trained and highly skilled epidemiologists was underscored like never before. We all witnessed the profound impact that diseases can have on individuals, families, communities, and globally, and how effective, evidenced-based public health interventions can save millions of lives.

Our Master of Science in Epidemiology program is especially well suited to prepare you to address the major public health challenges that we face today and will face in the future, such as the global pandemics of infectious and chronic diseases, the health impacts of climate change, environmental health disparities and justice, and the mental health crisis, among others.

Through a combination of a rigorous and demanding curriculum, coursework, hands-on training, and research experience you will acquire the knowledge and technical skills necessary to promote health equity for all, translate epidemiology research into meaningful public health policies, and save lives. In the highly collaborative and inclusive learning environment of the Mount Sinai Health System—one of the largest health care systems in New York—you will have the opportunity to form part of a large, vivid, interdisciplinary, and highly diverse community of students and health care professionals, enabling you to expand your network, critical thinking, ideas, and career horizons.

Importantly, through this challenging and transformative journey, you will have unparalleled opportunities to receive mentoring and conduct epidemiology research using real-world data, leveraging invaluable big data resources available at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and with guidance from distinguished epidemiologists who are renowned experts in their research fields.

I congratulate you for considering a career in epidemiology at this crucial time. I welcome you to join us for your Master of Science in Epidemiology for a rewarding and successful academic experience. We are committed to empowering you to achieve and excel as public health leaders.

Dania Valvi, MD, PhD, MPH
Director, MS in Epidemiology
Associate Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai