My name is Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers, Ph.D., MPH, RYT, CMP. I am a doctor of epidemiology.

Being an epidemiologist it’s like having a backstage pass at a concert. We get to see all of the things that go on behind the scenes to produce the simple outcomes and statistics that the public are served through the media and other sources of information. These statistics and information that impact decisions that affect the health of the entire population. As an epidemiologist I understand the data, the biases, the methodology, the analytics, appropriate study design, and the risks and benefits that come along with any research study or practical application designed to improve health for the population.

Personally as an epidemiologist I feel it’s like creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary because I personally use the science of epidemiology to trailblaze a new field by applying the science and methodology of traditional epidemiology to the micro individual level to understand and identify why we really feel the way we feel. I get to put the pieces of other peoples and my clients healthcare puzzles together to connect the dots, create comprehensive plans, and build customized healing regimes. In essence I use my skills as an epidemiologist to understand and analyze the patterns and trends of people’s healing and health journeys- this allows me to address all of the factors that impact a person’s health and ability to heal rather than simply managing their conditions and symptoms. This also allows me to monitor trends and patterns of people’s healing journeys to minimize and reduce the burden of those inevitable setbacks everyone experiences.

What is your work life like?

My work life as a traditional epidemiologist in academia was challenging because I have extremely innovative and outside of the box visions and ideas but in order to thrive in the traditional “publish or perish” environment, epidemiologists must adhere to studying the topics that available funding will shine a light on and prioritize. Now my work life is beyond anything I ever could have imagined as I design it myself. I run my own practice now and as the CEO and owner, I prioritize a healthy work-life balance as a non-negotiable. I believe in practicing what I preach and our health is truly the foundation of everything including our work and our businesses. Now my work life is simply enjoyable, spacious, creative, and full of manifestation, an opportunity to help others heal and improve their lives as a whole. I use my science as art to guide people to transform their health and lives, and it’s an honor.

Cons

Being an epidemiologist are that for the most part most people do not understand or get what we do. Even now in the time of a pandemic, people are getting one very narrow perspective of what epidemiologists can and will do with their expertise. As a result people still do not truly understand the value of an epidemiologist and the powerful work that we bring to the table.

Pros

Being an epidemiologist are having the opportunity to create something extraordinary and unique in the world and to have the opportunity to use the science to apply it at both the individual and population levels to find unique and innovative ways to help others heal and achieve sustainable and lasting health and wellness. It’s a vehicle to shift the focus from chronic illness to chronic wellness. Another pro-I get to fulfill my life’s purpose each day!