What is Epidemiology?
The Department of Epidemiology (Epi) looks at the different factors that determine frequency or distribution of disease. There are many duties within the epi department including clinical epidemiology; disease prevention; immunization; and surveillance.
Clinical Epi: Looks at healthcare associated infections (when a patient develops a disease as a result of a healthcare facility), anti-microbial resistance (infections which are not easily treated by common medications due to overuse or improper use of antibiotics or anti-microbials), and Tuberculosis response (contact tracing to idenfity others at risk and connection to nursing for treatment).
Disease Prevention: Reportable Disease investigations & response (contact tracing to identify others who may be at risk), public education (causes and prevention), professional peer consulting, and client/parter resource support.
Immunizations: Education on available immunizations, verifying immunization status of those who may be at risk for a disease, and resource networking
Surveillance: Diagnostic and clinical data management for all reportable disease (tracking new cases of reportable diseases and outbreaks)
Epidemiology Team:
Chris Andrews, MPH, CIC: Pittsylvania-Danville & Southside Epidemiologist Sr.
Kelly Medlin, RN, BSN: Public Health Nurse Epidemiologist