Working Together for Epidemiology

Did you know that a group of the major epidemiology associations have begun to work together?  The APHA Epidemiology Section, the American College of Epidemiology, the Society for Epidemiologic Research, and numerous specialty societies have come together to advance issues that are of importance to all of us.  Among the things that have been on the agenda this year:

• A survey of the members of the major epidemiology societies about the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) on their research activities.  The results have been written up as a manuscript, to be published shortly.

• A letter to Dr Elias Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health, asking that greater attention be given to the inclusion of epidemiologists on grant review panels whenever their presence would be helpful.

• Establishment of a joint policy committee to coordinate a united front on key issues.

• Planning for the 2011 Congress of Epidemiology.

• Initiatives to attract young people into the profession and into the professional societies.

If you have an interest in working on joint projects, please contact the Section Chair (Stan Weiss) or Chair-Elect (Jim Gaudino).