About the Department
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, determinants and control of illness and impairment in human populations. It is the cornerstone of population health, and informs policy decisions and evidence-based medicine by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for treatment and prevention. The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health (E&PH) provides the analytical foundation for research conducted at the Stanford School of Medicine, offering expertise, research, and training on collecting and interpreting the scientific evidence essential to improving human health.
The scholars within E&PH conduct a wide variety of health-related research. Using both observational and experimental research methods our scholars uncover environmental, social, genetic and behavioral factors to aid in human disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Further, the faculty train physician investigators in techniques of clinical research and are committed to advancing knowledge in epidemiology and population health through educational programs for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students.
Recent News
EPH Assistant Professor Lisa Goldman Rosas' Food for Health Equity Lab working with Instacart on White House health initiative
March 24, 2023 – E&PH Assistant Professor Lisa Goldman Rosas and the Food for Health Equity Lab is working with Instacart, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center on a White House initiative to end hunger and build healthy communities. Goldman Rosas and the Food for Health Equity Lab team will examine the unique nutritional needs of colorectal cancer survivors.
Effects of COVID Shelter-in-Place Confinement on Diabetes Prevention Health Behaviors
March 3, 2023 – Epidemiology and Population Health Assistant Professor Tainayah Thomas is the lead author in a new article in Preventative Medicine Reports about the impact of COVID’s shelter-in-place order on health behaviors among US adults with prediabetes. A high percentage of study participants with prediabetes reported decreases in health promotion behaviors and increases in stress due to the pandemic. Consequently, the pandemic could lead to increased diabetes incidence. This study shows that strategies to address mental health concerns among those at risk for diabetes are critical during and after the pandemic.
Epidemiology and Population Science Featured in the Latest Issue of Stanford Medicine Magazine
Feb. 1, 2023 - The year's first issue of Stanford Medicine Magazine focuses on the nonmedical factors that impact health. This issue heavily features the work and research of Epidemiology and Population Health faculty.
Dr. Abby King Appointed to Susan and David Heckerman Professorship
October 27, 2022 - The Department of Epidemiology and Population Health is pleased to share the news that Abby King, Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health and of Research, is the newest holder of the Susan and David Heckerman Professorship. The professorship was made possible by gifts from Susan and David Heckerman, PhD ’90, MD ’92. Read more