Challenges of epidemiology in the 21st century: comments from the leaders of several epidemiology associations.

At the 2002 American Public Health Association Meeting, leaders of 12 epidemiology associations discussed the future challenges and epidemiology in the 21st century. A summary of the identified research-related, ethics, advocacy, training, and professional organization challenges is presented. Increased communication between all epidemiologists--regardless of specialty--is an excellent first step toward developing strategies to meet these challenges.