Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought epidemiologists into sustained public view. Across Australia and internationally, some of us were asked to interpret rapidly evolving evidence for television, radio, print, and online audiences. While epidemiology training emphasises study design, statistical methods, and causal reasoning, far less attention is given to media engagement, risk communication, or navigating politicised environments.

Methods
This presentation draws on documented public engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2024), including television, radio, print commentary, parliamentary evidence, and clinician-directed communication. It examines the practical challenges encountered when translating epidemiological evidence for diverse audiences under conditions of uncertainty and heightened public scrutiny.

Results
Three recurring challenges were evident: (1) communicating uncertainty without overstating confidence or eroding trust; (2) maintaining professional credibility amid politicisation and misinformation; and (3) addressing multiple audiences simultaneously, including the public, clinicians, and policymakers. The pandemic highlighted that epidemiologists were frequently expected to function as public communicators despite limited formal preparation for this role. The demands of sustained visibility exposed professional and personal risks not typically addressed within methodological training.

Conclusion
COVID-19 demonstrated that media communication is increasingly integral to epidemiological practice. Incorporating structured training in media literacy, risk communication, and ethical boundary-setting into epidemiology education and professional development would strengthen public understanding of evidence and enhance preparedness for future health crises.