Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree. The degree may be in a range of fields or specializations, although a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology is common. Epidemiologists who direct research projects—including those who work as postsecondary teachers in colleges and universities—often have a Ph.D. or medical degree in their chosen field.

Dean Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, FAAP is the Health Officer and State Epidemiologist for the Oregon Public Health Division. In this role he supports public health practice, programs, and staff.

Prior to joining the Oregon Health Authority, Dr. Sidelinger served as the Child Health Medical Officer and Interim Deputy Public Health Officer for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). In this role, he helped provide strategic direction for HHSA programs that impacted children and public health through the County’s vision, Live Well San Diego, to help all County residents be healthy, be safe, and thrive. He worked across programs in behavioral health, child welfare, early childhood, eligibility operations, and public health. In addition, Dr. Sidelinger worked with multiple partners in the community from the education, health, and social service sectors.

Dr. Sidelinger obtained his undergraduate degree in chemistry and medical degree from Georgetown University. He completed his pediatric internship and residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and a fellowship in Community Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego. He also has a Master’s in Education from the University of Southern California.

"Studies from around the world and experience throughout the country shows schools are not a driver of COVID-19 transmission," Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and state epidemiologist for Oregon, said.

Oregon State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger says most of the recent spike in Covid cases statewide can be traced to kids returning to school. He says only three percent of Covid cases are tied to restaurants and bars in the state - despite the tighter dining restrictions imposed by the Governor. Of the 257 new outbreaks during the last week in Oregon, Dr. Sidelinger says 30 percent were attributed to single case outbreaks associated with schools, 12 percent were attributed to two or more case outbreaks associated with schools, and four and a half percent of cases were attributed to recreational sports and sports teams.