The future of epidemiology

摘要

Few can challenge the assertion that epidemiology has been central in the control of infectious diseases, nor that it has contributed more than any other discipline in the identification of causes of cardiovascular diseases (from the classic to the more recently identified) and several forms of cancer (from tobacco smoking and occupational carcinogens to several infectious agents). However, concern has recently arisen that epidemiology has either exhausted its potential or, worse, is generating conflicting results that confuse the public and disorient policy makers.