Draft:Alex Joseph (epidemiologist)

Alex Joseph is an Indian epidemiologist and professor in the field of Public Health academia in India. He holds a position at the SRM School of Public Health, part of the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamilnadu, India where he has worked in injury epidemiology, gerontology, and the application of AYUSH interventions in public health.

Early Life and Education
Dr. Joseph embarked on his journey in health sciences with a Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery from ANSS Homoeo Medical College, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Pursuing higher education, he earned an M.Sc. in Epidemiology from Christian Medical College Vellore, followed by a PhD in Epidemiology from SRM School of Public Health, SRM Institute of Science and Technology. His academic path also includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health Nutrition from the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI).

Career
Starting his career in community medicine and public health research at Christian Medical College, Dr. Joseph transitioned to academia, joining the SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks from Assistant Professor to his current role as Professor in the Division of Epidemiology.

Research and Contributions
Joseph's research work spans several critical areas of public health, including the epidemiology of unintentional injuries, health system research , neglected tropical disease , and elderly health , through community-based participatory research. He has been a pivotal figure in assessing and evaluating health programs for the Government of Tamil Nadu and has contributed extensively to national health surveys such as the National Family health Survey (NFHS 6). Dr. Joseph has spearheaded public health research, including studies on the awareness of hepatitis vaccination among the Irula tribes in Tamil Nadu. His findings revealed that over 50% of the Irula population were not aware of the hepatitis vaccine, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions in underserved communities.

Awards and Honors

 * Finalist for "Maternal & Child Health Team of the Year," BMJ Awards South Asia, 2018.
 * Young Scientist Award, SIMATS - SSM - Global Iconic Education Award, 2022.

Memberships

 * Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health
 * Member of TEPHINET, EpiCore, and The University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center

Publications
Dr. Joseph has authored and contributed to numerous publications in recognized journals, focusing on his areas of research interest. His work not only enriches academic literature but also informs public health policy and practice.