That an "epidemiologist" is not typically a scientist who studies epidemics, but is more usually a bureaucrat with a master's degree in public health.
> Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.
So to cavalierly categorize epidemiologists as "more usually a bureaucrat" speaks to a myopic understanding of what value they provide.
0 - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epi...
Please reference the definition quoted and provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Regarding the rest of your post, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. And I am entitled to disagree.
Who are epidemiologists?
When disease outbreaks or other threats emerge, epidemiologists are on the scene to investigate. Often called "Disease Detectives", epidemiologists search for the cause of disease, identify people who are at risk, determine how to control or stop the spread or prevent it from happening again. Physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and other health professionals often train to be "Disease Detectives".
source: https://www.cdc.gov/careerpaths/k12teacherroadmap/epidemiolo...
See also: Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) (https://www.cdc.gov/eis/index.html)
What EIS Officers Do
EIS officers serve on the front lines of public health, protecting Americans and the global community, while training under the guidance of seasoned mentors. When disease outbreaks or other public health threats emerge, EIS officers investigate, identify the cause, rapidly implement control measures, and collect evidence to recommend preventive actions.
source: https://www.cdc.gov/eis/what-eis-officers-do/index.html