Invited commentary: do-it-yourself modern epidemiology--at last!

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Education

Background:

• Epidemiologic methods and concepts are often taught using scattered textbook chapters.
• Current introductory epidemiology courses often mix classical and modern approaches for simplicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel "7 foundational steps" framework for teaching epidemiology to beginners.
• To emphasize the integration of epidemiologic methods and concepts through study design.
• To advocate for teaching modern epidemiology in introductory courses.

Main Methods:

• The proposed framework centers on the process of designing studies as the core of epidemiology education.
• It incorporates a causal framework of dynamic populations evolving over time.
• The approach aims to present a coherent methodological corpus of epidemiology.

Main Results:

• The 7-step framework offers a novel approach to epidemiology education.
• It highlights the integration of methodological and conceptual components of epidemiology.
• The framework emphasizes modern epidemiology's causal framework and dynamic populations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 7-step framework represents a significant advancement for teaching epidemiology.
• Focusing on study design can provide a more integrated and coherent understanding of epidemiology.
• This approach has the potential to enhance introductory epidemiology courses by incorporating modern concepts effectively.