Epidemic Intelligence Service: A unique, 2-year postgraduate program of service and on-the-job training for health professionals interested in the practice of epidemiology.
Organization: The EIS is organized to work across all programs at CDC, from infectious diseases to maternal health. A cadre of experienced epidemiologists throughout CDC and in state and local health departments serve as day-to-day mentors or primary supervisors to EIS officers.
Number of Current EIS Officers: 130 (65 each year for the past 2 years).
Demographic Snapshot: Approximately 60% of current EIS officers are women; 25 to 30% are minorities; and approximately 15 officers are from countries other than the United States. The current class includes nurses, medical doctors, and veterinarians, as well as doctoral graduates in epidemiology and the social and behavioral sciences.
Number of Investigations: Since the program's establishment, EIS officers have worked on more than 10,000 studies and investigations. Each year, EIS officers assist with approximately 100 investigations requested by states and other countries. In addition, field officers assigned to state and local health departments conduct an average of 500 studies and consultations per year.
Recent EIS Investigations: Polio eradication in Africa and Asia; school-associated violent deaths in the United States; bioterrorism preparedness; Hantavirus outbreak in the southwestern United States; West Nile virus outbreak in the northeastern United States; and Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and Zaire.
Eligibility: Physicians with at least 1 year of clinical training; persons with a PhD, DrPH or MD in epidemiology, biostatistics, the social or behavioral sciences, and the nutrition sciences; dentists, physician assistants, and nurses with an MPH or equivalent degree; and veterinarians with an MPH or equivalent degree or relevant public health experience.
Application and Selection Process: CDC receives 250 to 300 applications each year. The formal application process begins in the fall, and selection is completed in December. Selection is based on the strength of the individual's application and academic records as well as face-to-face interviews.
Once selected, the incoming class attends the EIS's week-long annual conference in April, where they can meet program officials and rank programs of interest to them. Assignments are made using a computerized matching system. Assignments begin in July and are salaried. Officers who are U.S. citizens typically become part of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.
Sponsorship: EIS officers can be sponsored by CDC or other government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. A small number of EIS officers can be sponsored by other countries through the EIS fellowship program.
Careers After EIS: Today, approximately 70% of EIS officers pursue public health careers, 20% go into academia; and fewer than 10% enter private practice.
International Expansion: The EIS supports EIS-type programs in other countries through its Field Epidemiology Training Program. CDC consultants provide technical support and training to the government or organization interested in establishing a program. The first field program was established in 1975 in Canada. Today, 20 field programs exist on every continent except Antarctica. Most recently, field offices have been established in Brazil and Jordan.
For media interested in more information
For people interested in applying to the EIS
- Address: EIS Program, Office of Workforce and Career Development,
E-92, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30333
- Phone: 404-498-6110 or toll free 888-496-8347
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