Epidemiology Corner

Who are the people in the Bureau of Epidemiology? Raouf R. Arafat, MD, MPH, Bureau Chief. There are five additional epidemiologists: Yasmin El Gamal, MD, MPH; Phyllis Goyert, RN, PhD, CIC; Mark Shepard-Perry, MPH, Senior Epidemiologists Brenda Thorne, MS and Debra Wilkinson, MPH. Dr. Vonna Drayton started part time with the bureau this past July working on special projects. Very important members of the bureau are the support staff, Marlene Lambert, Administrative Assistant and Guadalupe Mata, Senior Secretary. Lupe started with the bureau this past month. The Bureau of Epidemiology receives, evaluates and investigates many of the reports of infectious diseases that are required by Texas Law. We disseminate information on diseases and related concerns to the public, medical community, schools and others on a routine basis. When prophylaxis is indicated (by the particular illness) we make arrangements for family members and/or close contacts to receive medication. Additionally, the bureau conducts outbreak investigations and special investigations which are non-routine in nature. The bureau recommends/implements disease control measures. We analyze data in order to study trends so we may make projections.

Call or send you questions general or disease specific to Phyllis Goyert, who is currently the editor of Epi- Corner: The Bureau of Epidemiology at 713-794-9181.