Surveillance and the Tao of leadership: a perspective from the United States

Summary.

This paper discusses how the epidemiologists who guide the collection, analysis, and sharing of public health data are powerful and can use their influence to bring about changes that will benefit the health of people around the world. They can frame public debate and the actions of policy makers on major health issues because they have the power to determine what health indicators are measured, which questions are asked, and how the raw data are presented. To be effective leaders, these epidemiologists can learn much from the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Tao Te Ching, which advises powerful people to lead others without domination or coercion.