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Juliet VanEenwyk
Non-Infectious Conditions
Epidemiology
Do the math:
Statistics can add up to public health improvements
Juliet VanEenwyk doesn’t
view statistics as dry columns of figures.
She knows properly collecting and evaluating data can help improve
public health. In her role as Washington’s state epidemiologist for
Non-Infectious Conditions Epidemiology, she works to make that
happen.
 Juliet
points to “very basic” data analysis that led to a bigger focus on
colorectal cancer, eventually leading to increased colorectal cancer
screening. Research showed many people who should’ve been getting
tested weren’t. That prompted increased efforts to get the message
out.
“We’ve moved the dial on people getting screened tremendously,” she
says.
The Shoalwater Bay Tribe’s health clinic became a reality after data
identified significant issues within the tribe, Juliet says.
“It’s always interesting what you find and don’t find,” she says.
“Often, the simplest data are the best.”
Juliet’s job lets her combine an interest in mathematics and
statistics with a curiosity about human behavior. She studied and
worked in psychology before she earned a doctorate in epidemiology.
“I like the breadth,” she says.
Juliet’s team has dealt with subjects ranging from environmental
issues to diabetes, cancer, alcohol abuse, child abuse, nutrition,
tobacco use, asthma, and even the effects of violent video games.
“We want to affect outcomes pretty long-term,” she says, “and that
can’t happen overnight.”
It isn’t always possible to reach the desired result. For instance,
it can be hard to find the cause of cancer clusters because cancer
takes so long to develop – but proper data use can smooth the path.
“Statistics aren’t black and white,” Juliet says. “The way you do
the analysis can affect the outcome.”
In 2007 and 2008, on a sabbatical from the Department of Health,
Juliet received a Fulbright Fellowship for senior-level
professionals. In Trinidad and Tobago, she worked in epidemiology
and also taught.
Back home, in addition to her other duties, Juliet chairs the
department’s Assessment Operations Group. It coordinates health
measurement and evaluation activities within the agency.
Learn about
Juliet’s office online (www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/Epidemiology/NICE/default.htm).
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