title: [The role of epidemiology in the future of public health].
abstract: The evolution of epidemiology from a risk factor centred approach to a population epidemiology, focused in etiologic theories and more connected with the social and environmental context could support but not guarantee the implementation of public policies oriented to improve population health. In this article, we comment on several factors that, from the research, professional and health services viewpoints, could determine a better linkage between epidemiology and public health policies. Creativity and innovation, hybridization, a compromise with the fundamental values of public health and a prominent role in health services are some of the main factors.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología. ihernandez@umh.es
authors.forename: Ildefonso
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hernández-Aguado
authors.forename: Blanca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lumbreras
authors.forename: Inmaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Jarrín
mesh_terms: D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D004813:Epidemiology; D006291:Health Policy; D006296:Health Services / Q000639:trends; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D011640:Public Policy