About Our Program

As a research center embedded within Kaiser Permanente’s large and dynamic health care system, our investigators have a unique opportunity to apply scientific expertise to real-world clinical problems, translate findings into practice, and share what we learn with the broader community.

Featured Scientist

Dr. Darios Getahun headshot
Darios Getahun, MD, PhD, MPH
Research Scientist II
Division of Epidemiologic Research
626-564-5658
Darios.T.Getahun@kp.org

Dr. Darios Getahun is a perinatal and pediatric epidemiologist with experience in basic and translational research. His research focuses on exploring and understanding potential etiologic factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially among high-risk pregnancies and in vulnerable pregnant women. His ultimate objective is to further our understanding of the impact of pregnancy complications on short- and long-term maternal and child health and to develop effective and safe preventive strategies ...

Featured Video

Advancing treatments through clinical trials

Over the years, clinical trials have led to amazing advances in treatment—even cures—for devastating illnesses. William Towner, MD, FACP, FIDSA, regional physician director for clinical trials, describes how trials at Kaiser Permanente contribute to the development of more effective and safer treatments for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, cancer, and more. (2:15)

News

Featured Image of News Story Titled: Younger adults respond to colorectal cancer screening outreach

Younger adults respond to colorectal cancer screening outreach

The updated national colorectal cancer screening guidelines that recommend screening begin at age 45 — rather than 50 — can benefit younger adults, a new Kaiser Permanente study found. The study was published October 22, 2024, in Annals of Internal Medicine. It included 267,732 Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California, Washington, and Colorado ages 45 ...

Opioid use among breast cancer survivors can increase risk of falls and fractures

Breast cancer survivors commonly continue to use opioid pain killers after their cancer treatment is complete. A new Kaiser Permanente study shows that this can increase their risk of falls and bone fractures, lung problems, and cardiovascular conditions. The study was published in October 2024 in The Oncologist. A cancer epidemiologist partnered with a breast ...

Five questions for … Dr. Heidi Brown

Heidi Brown, MD, MAS, is a urogynecologist and a dissemination and implementation scientist who joined the Department of Research & Evaluation in August 2023. Her research focuses on improving access to effective solutions for pelvic floor disorders such as bladder and bowel incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. She uses community engagement, user-centered design, and iterative ...

No increased risk associated with flu vaccines given in closely spaced pregnancies

Monitoring of about 45,000 pregnant people receiving flu vaccines in each of 2 successive pregnancies showed no increased risk of side effects or health issues, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published September 19, 2024, in JAMA Network Open. “Our study’s findings support recommendations to give flu vaccinations to pregnant persons even if they received ...

Beta blockers not all the same for patients with heart failure and CKD

A Kaiser Permanente Southern California study showed that 1 heart-failure medication worked best among the 3 most commonly used to prevent illness and disease among patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure. “Beta blockers save lives in heart failure patients, but we wanted to see how this worked among patients who also had chronic ...

Events

Featured Division

Epidemiologic Research

Our epidemiologists seek answers to important health questions with real-world clinical relevance.

Investigators with the Division of Epidemiologic Research apply rigorous research methods to address important health questions that have the potential to change clinical practice and health care delivery. The division’s research portfolio spans the care continuum, from etiology and prevention to survivorship and quality of life.

Division investigators have expertise in traditional epidemiologic studies, post-marketing safety and effectiveness studies, and outcomes research. Current research areas include cancer, cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, diabetes, infectious disease, molecular epidemiology, orthopedics and bone health, perinatal health, pharmacoepidemiology, and vaccines.