Viral or communicable disease spreading around the world

School of Epidemiology and Public Health

The School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH) in the Faculty of Medicine offers a scholarly environment to stimulate and enhance learning and expand knowledge by conducting research in epidemiology, global health, biostatistics, health policy, implementation science as well as clinical research. Our program is interdisciplinary, comprising faculty members with a range of experience and expertise.

On May 19, 2016, the Faculty of Medicine officially launched the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, the latest evolution of the distinguished, 50-year-old Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine. While the School is physically located at the Alta Vista Campus of the University of Ottawa, members are located across the Ottawa region and, in particular, within our affiliated teaching hospitals, research institutes and government agencies.

The School is interdisciplinary, comprising members with a wide variety of academic backgrounds and interests, and has also developed strong links with other groups, including the clinical epidemiology research programs and methods centres at hospital-based research institutes affiliated with the University, the Public Health Department of the City of Ottawa, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Health Canada and the Local Health Integration Network. The interdisciplinary nature of the School and its ability to develop linkages have enabled it to achieve a high level of research intensity in many areas including descriptive and analytical epidemiology, and applied and clinical epidemiology.

Our mission

The mission of the School of Epidemiology and Public Health is to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention and control, through research and training in epidemiology and related disciplines, and by offering expertise and advice to people and agencies in other fields who need such support.

SEPH - 600 Peter Morand
Photo credits: Ghita El Boustani

Message from the Director

On behalf of our entire community, I would like to welcome you to the School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH).  We are proud of our tradition of excellence in teaching and research dating back to 1968.  Our school comprises of approximately 250 learners, 32 core faculty, and over 195 cross-appointed and adjunct faculty.  We have excellent relationships with the other schools and departments in the Faculty of Medicine, and other Faculties at the University of Ottawa.  We also have strong partnerships with affiliated research institutes (The Ottawa Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Royal Hospital, and Bruyère Hospital) and have established collaborations with many local, provincial, and federal government organizations.

At the heart of SEPH is a highly collegial and collaborative group of experts; our research activities and teaching are highly interdisciplinary.  Our faculty lead world-class research in the areas of classic epidemiology, clinical research, public health, biostatistics, health research methods, implementation science, health economic evaluation, health services, health policy and systems, and global health. 

We train the next generation of world-class health researchers and public health physicians and practitioners. SEPH offers several programs including Master and Doctoral level training in Epidemiology, Master of Public Health, and graduate diplomate in Population Health Risk Assessment and Management. In addition, we train future public health physicians via our Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) residency program.  Our Summer Institute is a short and intensive opportunity for the general public or future graduate trainees to investigate their interest in the introductory principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Our graduates have an outstanding track record of securing careers in the academic, research, government, and community sectors.

We live, work, and play in the City of Ottawa on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people.  Our city has wonderful opportunities to enjoy scenic and recreational activities in nature, multicultural food and experiences, and a vibrant arts, theatre, history, and music scene. 

We welcome you to our community.

Melissa Brouwers,
Professor and Director, School of Epidemiology and Public Health

Dr. Melissa Brouwers
Dr. Melissa Brouwers