The need for epidemiologists

The increasing need for epidemiologists in biomedical research has been studied by polling organizations with present and potential needs for epidemiologic services. The research institutes of the National Institutes of the National Institutes of Health and the schools of medicine reported the greatest estimated need among the respondents. They and others polled indicated a substantial need for master's and doctoral level epidemiologists that cannot be fulfilled by current training programs in epidemiology. Broad, sound methodological training applicable to all health problems, and increased funding for support of epidemiologic trainees and training programs in institutions, which would make epidemiology training competitive with that in other fields, are strongly recommened.