Public Health Epidemiology, Statistics and Economics

The program aims to train highly qualified professionals through a multidisciplinary approach, enabling them to contribute to the development of both methodological and applied research in the governance and management of public health. The course is built upon a solid foundation aimed at developing critical thinking, managing public health evidence, and understanding its various dimensions.

• Epidemiology: This research area is characterized by naturalistic/observational studies, the use of large clinical and administrative databases, and real-world evidence approaches, with a focus on risk factors and pathological conditions.
• Biostatistics: Statistical methods applied to the design, planning, management, analysis, statistical interpretation, and evaluation of studies conducted in clinical research and health surveillance.
• Economic Evaluation of Healthcare Programmes: Comparative evaluation of the costs and effectiveness of healthcare programs using decision analysis techniques and modeling methods (e.g., Markov models, microsimulation), as well as outcomes research methodologies.
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA): A multidimensional, multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional approach designed to support decision-makers, focusing on methods for extracting information from scientific literature and tools for planning, organizing, and managing healthcare services.
• Statistical Methods for the Evaluation of Health Services and Systems: Development and application of statistical analysis models using large datasets to create accurate approaches for health system management and for evaluating the delivery of healthcare services.
• Health Economics and Econometrics: Analysis of healthcare system financing methods from both public and private perspectives, comparison of health policy decisions, resource allocation evaluations, and the assessment of the impact of health policies.

Throughout the PhD program, students acquire both specific scientific expertise and a systemic perspective on public health service management. This combination enables PhD graduates to access a wide and diverse range of career opportunities across the full spectrum of institutions involved in key areas of public health, such as:

• Universities and Academic Institutions
• Public and Private Research Organizations
• International and National Public Health Research and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., WHO, OECD, EMA etc.)
• Regional and National Health Service Structures (e.g., Local Health Authorities, Hospital Trusts, etc.)
• Scientific Departments and Services in Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, and HTA within research institutes and teaching hospitals
• Biomedical Industry Companies, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical device companies, at global, regional, and national headquarters
• Insurance Companies

The PhD courses are grounded in the core subjects relevant to Public Health Services Sciences and focus on methodological and scientific areas aligned with the doctoral program: epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, outcomes research, health technology assessment, healthcare systems evaluation, and health econometrics.

Courses will take place in Monza and Milan, at the DMC, DISMEQ, and DEMS facilities, as well as online.

During the first year, the PhD candidate designs their research project, which will become the subject of their doctoral thesis, and begins conducting research under the guidance of a supervisor and tutor.

Starting in the first year—and especially throughout the second and third years—students are expected to attend additional advanced courses, selected in agreement with their tutor and supervisor based on the research project. In addition, they will participate in seminars, summer schools, and interdisciplinary courses offered by the PhD school. These interdisciplinary courses may also be taken from the very beginning of the program.

A period abroad is required, with a minimum duration of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months. The target period abroad is 6 months, which may partially or entirely coincide with time spent at international or national institutions (e.g., supranational bodies, the Ministry of Health, regional authorities, the National Institute of Health, Health Agencies/Authorities, teaching Hospitals, etc.), depending on the research project.

In line with the research project, the PhD student will also benefit from the medical and healthcare expertise within the Academic Board, which includes clinical faculty members who are well-versed in interdisciplinary approaches and have conducted studies and developed strong competencies in epidemiology, statistics, economics, and healthcare organization.

 All the educational activities offered are available on e-learning platform: https://elearning.unimib.it/course/index.php?categoryid=10706&lang=en