Epidemiology

AEC 2007 Epidemiology Section

Public Health Challenges & Expectations--
Taking the Lead with Changes, Challenges and Great Expectations

The Epidemiology Section will sponsor three sessions on Wednesday, September 26, 1:30-5:00 listed below. Because the AEC meeting is in RTP, the Epidemiology Section is tapping into the vast epidemiology talent at UNC and NIH right here in the Triangle.

Session 1

Training: Design and Collection of Community Health Data that Makes a Difference

Dr. Victor Schoenbach -- UNC School of Public Health

Dr. Schoenbach is a Professor of Epidemiology at UNC SPH. He has been a long time member of the NCPHA Epidemiology section. His interests include cancer, health disparities, and infectious disease.

Dr. Schoenbach will discuss cohort vs. cross-sectional studies including formulating a research question, how to collect data, estimate exposure, determine health outcomes, and make a conclusion.

Dr. Jane  Hoppin -- National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences

Dr. Hoppin is co-Principal Investigator of the NIH-sponsored Agricultural Health Study which investigates the association between pesticides and health effects. The Agricultural Health Study is a prospective cohort study being conducted in North Carolina and Iowa since 1993. The study has followed participants through three phases of data collection and actively links to cancer and mortality registries.

Dr. Hoppin will talk about the cohort study design, exposure assessment and other data collection aspects. She will also present recent results on respiratory outcomes in the cohort.

Session 2

Annual State of Epidemiology Report

Jeff Engel, MD -- State Epidemiologist, NC Division of Public Health

We are proud to host the second annual State of Epidemiology address by Dr. Engel. He will update us on statewide accomplishments during 2006-2007. We will also learn about plans for 2007-2008 regarding communicable disease control, pandemic flu planning, and administrative activities at DPH that help us to do our jobs better.

Session 3

Poster Session

NCPHA is hosting the first ever poster session. Submissions should be related to the theme and the presenter should be available to stand by the poster during the Official Poster Session on September 26 at the AEC in RTP. Forty submissions will be accepted. It's a great opportunity to showcase your work in public health.