Individuals who identify and track diseases as they occur in a population are known as what?

Individuals who identify and track diseases as they occur in a population are known as epidemiologists. This field of study focuses on understanding the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions within specific populations. Epidemiologists gather and analyze data to monitor the occurrence of diseases, often working to identify risk factors and develop strategies for prevention and control.

Their work is essential in public health, as they inform policies and intervention strategies that can mitigate the spread of diseases. They may study outbreaks, perform surveillance, and conduct research to help health organizations respond effectively to health threats.

In contrast, biologists study living organisms, which encompasses a broader range and does not specifically focus on disease tracking in populations. Infectious disease specialists are typically medical doctors who treat individuals with infectious diseases but are not primarily focused on the population-level analysis and tracking of diseases. Pathologists specialize in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues and bodily fluids, often working in a laboratory setting rather than tracking diseases in populations.