Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii Career Overview
As a Disease Surveillance Specialist, you play an essential role in public health by monitoring and analyzing data related to disease outbreaks and trends. Your work is vital for the timely detection of health threats and the initiation of appropriate responses.
Key aspects of your role include:
Data Collection: You gather data from various sources, including hospitals, laboratories, and public health reports, to track disease incidence and prevalence.
Analysis and Interpretation: You analyze epidemiological data to identify patterns and potential public health risks, allowing health authorities to make informed decisions.
Collaboration: You work closely with healthcare professionals, government agencies, and community organizations to share findings and develop strategies for disease prevention and control.
Reporting: You create detailed reports that communicate surveillance findings to stakeholders, aiding in the development of public health policies and interventions.
Education and Training: You may be involved in training healthcare staff on surveillance methods and data collection procedures, ensuring consistency and accuracy in reporting.
Response Coordination: In the event of an outbreak, you assist in coordinating the public health response, helping to limit the spread of disease and protect community health.
Your expertise directly influences public health initiatives and has the potential to save lives by enabling quick responses to emerging health threats. The work you do contributes not only to immediate health outcomes but also to the long-term health of the population in Hawaii and beyond.
Disease Surveillance Specialist Salary in Hawaii
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii
To become a Disease Surveillance Specialist, you should pursue the following educational qualifications and training:
Bachelor’s Degree:
- A foundational degree in a relevant field is essential. Consider programs such as:
- Public Health
- Biology
- Health Sciences
- A foundational degree in a relevant field is essential. Consider programs such as:
Master’s Degree:
- Advanced education is often required. Recommended programs include:
- Epidemiology: This program focuses on the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations.
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics: This combined field enhances your ability to analyze data while understanding epidemiological principles.
- Public Health: This degree covers a broad spectrum of health issues, including policy and management aspects related to disease control.
- Public Health Nursing: If you are inclined towards nursing, this program integrates nursing practices with public health principles.
- Infectious Disease and Global Health: This specialized program addresses health issues from a global perspective, specifically dealing with infectious diseases.
- Advanced education is often required. Recommended programs include:
Relevant Experience:
- Internship or practicum experiences during your academic programs can provide practical exposure in public health settings or disease control environments.
Engaging in ongoing education and training through workshops, certifications, or additional courses may enhance your competency in this field.
Best Schools to become a Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii 2024
Aspen University
Johns Hopkins University
University of South Carolina-Columbia
University of Nevada-Reno
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
University of California-Berkeley
- Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
- May develop the means for prevention and control.
Disease Surveillance Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in Hawaii
Analytical Skills: You need to interpret and analyze complex data sets to identify patterns and trends in disease outbreaks. Proficient statistical and epidemiological analysis will be essential in your role.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy is critical in disease surveillance. You must be vigilant in reviewing data and findings to ensure correct reporting and timely interventions.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are vital for conveying disease-related information clearly and effectively to both professional audiences and the general public.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with disease surveillance software and data analysis tools is important. You should be capable of utilizing databases, spreadsheets, and statistical programs to track and analyze health data.
Research Skills: You should be adept at conducting thorough research to stay updated on new findings in public health and epidemiology, in order to implement the most effective surveillance methods.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to unexpected challenges in disease tracking and monitoring is essential.
Collaboration and Teamwork: You will need to work effectively with other public health professionals, agencies, and community organizations. Building partnerships is crucial for successful intervention strategies.
Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds within Hawaii is key to engaging communities and ensuring effective communication and trust.
Organization and Time Management: You need to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively, particularly during outbreaks or public health emergencies, to ensure timely data collection and analysis.
Ethical Judgment: You must be capable of navigating ethical dilemmas and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive health information and data.
Project Management Skills: Proficient in planning, executing, and overseeing projects related to disease surveillance activities, ensuring milestones are met effectively and efficiently.
Adaptability: The landscape of public health is ever-changing. You should be flexible and open to learning new strategies and approaches that enhance disease surveillance efforts.
Job Duties for Disease Surveillance Specialists
Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
Analytical or scientific software
- StataCorp Stata
- World Health Organization HealthMapper
Geographic information system
- Esri ArcGIS
- Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Reading work related information
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
People and Technology Systems
- Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii
The job market for Disease Surveillance Specialists in Hawaii is characterized by an increasing demand for professionals in the public health sector. The unique geographical and cultural environment of the islands, coupled with the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases and public health crises, has heightened the need for skilled specialists who can monitor, analyze, and respond to health threats effectively.
Demand: The demand for Disease Surveillance Specialists is driven by several factors, including:
- The need for continuous monitoring of emerging infectious diseases, especially given Hawaii's role as a gateway between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Ongoing public health concerns related to tourism, which can facilitate the spread of diseases.
- Increased government and private sector funding aimed at enhancing public health infrastructure in response to recent global health challenges.
Growth Potential: The growth potential for this career path is significant. As public health initiatives expand, you will likely find:
- Opportunities for advancement within governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as health care institutions.
- A trend toward integrating advanced technology and data analysis tools in disease surveillance, creating a demand for specialists proficient in these areas.
- The potential for specialization in specific disease categories (e.g., vector-borne diseases, zoonotic diseases) as health threats evolve with environmental changes.
Geographical Hotspots: Certain areas in Hawaii present more opportunities for Disease Surveillance Specialists:
- Honolulu: As the state capital and home to major public health organizations, including the Hawaii Department of Health, Honolulu offers numerous positions in disease surveillance and public health research.
- Big Island: The growing emphasis on agricultural health and tourism-related infectious diseases makes regions like Hilo and Kona areas of interest for disease monitoring positions.
- Maui: This island experiences unique health challenges associated with its tourism and could see growth in roles focused on health security and disease prevention.
In summary, the job market for Disease Surveillance Specialists in Hawaii is robust, featuring strong demand, excellent growth opportunities, and several regional hotspots that can serve as launching pads for a successful career in this vital field.
Top Related Careers to Disease Surveillance Specialist 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The CDC is a primary resource for disease surveillance information, including guidelines and best practices.
- Website: CDC - Disease Surveillance
American Public Health Association (APHA)
- The APHA provides resources, publications, and networking opportunities for public health professionals, including disease surveillance specialists.
- Website: APHA
World Health Organization (WHO)
- WHO offers global health data, resources, and guidelines pertaining to infectious disease surveillance and response.
- Website: WHO - Health Topics
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
- NACCHO supports local health departments in addressing community health needs and provides resources for disease tracking and public health agency practices.
- Website: NACCHO
Hawaii Department of Health
- The official state department provides local health data, reports, and health-related initiatives relevant to Hawaii. The Disease Outbreak Control Division is especially pertinent.
- Website: Hawaii Department of Health
Public Health Agency of Canada
- Offers a range of surveillance tools and reports that can provide perspective on disease monitoring and control from an international viewpoint.
- Website: PHAC - Surveillance
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
- This publication includes peer-reviewed articles on topics relevant to disease surveillance and public health practice.
- Website: JPHMP
Epidemiology and Infection Journal
- An academic journal that publishes research on the epidemiology of infectious diseases, including surveillance methodologies.
- Website: Epidemiology and Infection
The Surveillance Research Program - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Provides resources and tools specifically for cancer surveillance which can be applicable in broader disease surveillance contexts.
- Website: NCI Surveillance Research
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
- ASTHO provides insight, resources, and support for health officials, which includes disease surveillance practices across states.
- Website: ASTHO
These resources are designed to enhance your knowledge and support your career as a Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Disease Surveillance Specialist in Hawaii
What education do I need to become a Disease Surveillance Specialist?
A bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may require a master's degree or specialized training in disease surveillance.What skills are important for a Disease Surveillance Specialist?
Key skills include analytical thinking, attention to detail, strong communication abilities, and proficiency in data analysis software. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) can also be beneficial.Where do Disease Surveillance Specialists work?
You can find opportunities in government health departments, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. In Hawaii, roles may be available through state and local health agencies.What are the main responsibilities of a Disease Surveillance Specialist?
Your main responsibilities include monitoring and analyzing disease trends, collecting and interpreting epidemiological data, coordinating public health investigations, and preparing reports to inform healthcare providers and policymakers.Is there a demand for Disease Surveillance Specialists in Hawaii?
Yes, there is a growing demand for public health professionals, including Disease Surveillance Specialists, especially given the unique health challenges faced by Hawaii's diverse population.What is the salary range for Disease Surveillance Specialists in Hawaii?
Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and the employer. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000, while experienced specialists can earn upwards of $80,000 annually.Do I need any certifications to work in disease surveillance?
While not always required, certifications such as Certified in Public Health (CPH) or those offered by the Association of Public Health Laboratories can enhance your qualifications and career prospects.What are the typical work hours for a Disease Surveillance Specialist?
You can expect regular office hours; however, during outbreaks or public health emergencies, you may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.How do I gain experience in disease surveillance?
Internships and volunteer positions at health departments or non-profit organizations can provide valuable experience. Participating in research projects or field studies during your education can also be beneficial.What opportunities for advancement exist in this field?
With experience and further education, you can advance to supervisory or managerial roles, specialize in a particular area of epidemiology, or pursue academic positions in universities.