Track, investigate, and control disease across Jamaica. Medical epidemiologists in the Ministry of Health & Wellness National Surveillance Unit oversee outbreak investigations, run surveillance for conditions such as influenza, vaccine-preventable diseases and chronic diseases, and turn data into reports that shape national health programmes.
Salary Breakdown
Doctors start as Senior House Officers / HPC/MO 1 at $6,799,334 - $8,082,271 per annum (Ministry of Finance / JMDA scale, 1 April 2024) while gaining public health experience.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($7,440,803 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $7,440,803 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$150,000 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$148,816 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$164,043 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$1,411,650 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $5,566,292 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English. Strong sciences and CAPE Biology/Chemistry are needed for medical school.
5 years (Forms 1-5) - 2
Medical Degree (MBBS)
Complete the MBBS at UWI Mona or another recognised medical school, then the internship year and full registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica.
5 - 6 years - 3
Clinical and Public Health Experience
Work as a Senior House Officer or Medical Officer (Health) in a parish health department to build public health experience.
2 - 4 years - 4
Master's in Public Health or Epidemiology
Complete an MPH or MSc Epidemiology. Training in Health Service Management is an asset for MOH posts.
1 - 2 years - 5
Medical Epidemiologist (HPC/MO 4)
MOH posts require a medical degree, an MPH/MSc Epidemiology, five years' progressive experience in epidemiology or public health, and peer approval.
5+ years - 6
Director / Chief Epidemiologist
Lead national surveillance, disease programmes or health services planning at HPC/MO 5 and above.
5+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, English
- CAPE Biology and Chemistry
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Master's degree in Public Health or Epidemiology
- Five years' progressive experience in epidemiology or public health (MOH requirement)
Common Local Certifications
- Full registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica
- Peer approval (required for MOH HPC/MO 4 posts)
- Training in Health Service Management (asset)
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - Faculty of Medical Sciences
- University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - Caribbean Institute for Health Research / MPH and MSc Epidemiology