What’s an epidemiologist? Three great things about this hidden gem career — and how to find yours

“Hidden gem careers” are occupations that many people would love, but they’re somewhat less well known. Karey Iron has a hidden gem career as a public health epidemiologist working at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. She explained to Career Buzz listeners that “epidemiology is the study of diseases in populations over place and time, and it’s a discipline to improve health.” She uses huge amounts of data to evaluate the effectiveness of medical care in Ontario, and the health of people in Ontario.

Karey says she likes three things about her hidden gem career. “First, I have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people from many disciplines — physicians, nurses, data analysts, project managers, policy makers, health care planners — and we all work toward improving health and the health system. Second, I’m a curious person, so daily I get to work with people to solve problems… Third, I’ve created a flexible work environment, and that makes my work and life balance much better.” Listen to the whole interview.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

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Stephen Armstrong has shifted career gears and is ready to reprise his Career Buzz appearance from 2008 with the story of his change from management consulting to education and training. Stephen started his career as an aerospace engineer, beginning as a shop floor apprentice. Later he entered the management consulting industry first with KPMG and later with his own company, AMGI. Stephen is also Chief Innovation Officer at Samco Machinery. Stephen began teaching in 2009 at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering where he teaches the management and application of innovation, and the history and philosophy of engineering.

Mark Morreale works as a mechanical designer for clients in aerospace, automotive, consumer and medical products. After a college diploma, and while working, Mark earned a mechanical engineering degree. He currently works at Athena Automation, a company founded by Robert Schad, and is also learning about innovation from Stephen Armstrong in the Master of Engineering program at U of Toronto.

Morgana Rae is an author, professional speaker, coach, and expert on helping people develop a better relationship with money. Morgana is author of Financial Alchemy: Twelve Months of Magic and Manifestation.

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