Investigate epidemiologists' roles in local and global health

 

Lorna Thorpe

Overview: As an epidemiologist, Lorna Thorpe investigates emerging diseases and develops strategies for preventing the spread of diseases. Have students identify and conduct further research on epidemics and determine their impact on local and global communities.

Curriculum Connections: Health, Career Education

Have students read the following article, "Career in focus: Epidemiologist," and answer the following questions:

ON TV For a video version of this story, please use the CNN Student News' March 5 broadcast on CNN TV (4:30 a.m. ET). Click here for more information on the show

1. Who is Lorna Thorpe? What is her profession? Do you agree with the title "disease detective" given to her by some people? Why or why not? What are some infectious diseases she has been studying? What are the goals of her work as an epidemiologist? Discuss.

2. What are some strategies used by Thorpe and other epidemiologists to determine the possibility of the development and spread of diseases? Why might curiosity be an important trait for epidemiologists? According to Thorpe, what are some downsides to her career? Why were epidemiologists flown into New York following the September 11 attacks? What findings were they able to impart to New York's government officials?

3. Share the following quotation from Thorpe: "What I do mostly is identify why diseases move the way they do, where they exist, and try to figure out how we can alter the course of epidemics." What is an epidemic? What are both the meaning and significance of this statement? Do you think her role as an epidemiologist is important to local and global health? Why or why not? Ask: Are you aware of epidemics that have impacted your community or other communities? Discuss the effects of epidemics on individuals and communities.

4. Ask: What is an "emerging" disease"? Follow Harcourt's teacher demonstration Illustrating the threat of emerging diseases. Ask: Why do you think it is important to be aware of bacteria? What do you think might be some strategies for preventing the spread of diseases?

5. What is an epidemic? Assign pairs of students to research epidemics or possible epidemics such as cholera or Ebola and identify the following: characteristics, geographical locations and resources needed to stop the spread of the epidemic. Have students share their findings. Then, ask: What are some public health problems in developed and developing countries? Based upon your research and class discussion, discuss how massive public health problems in developing countries might affect public health in developed countries.

6. Direct students to the Web sites below to research the career of an epidemiologist and other related careers. Have students identify the qualifications required for these careers. Lead a class discussion on the importance of the role of epidemiologists in local and international communities.

Materials on this site are reproducible for classroom use.