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The Epidemiology Program Office (EPO) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers an elective in epidemiology for senior medical and veterinary students. The purpose of the elective is to provide an introduction to preventive medicine, public health and the principles of applied epidemiology.
Elective students are offered the opportunity to actively assist in epidemiologic investigations of infectious diseases and areas such as cancer, congenital malformations, environmental and occupational diseases, injuries (intentional and unintentional), chronic diseases, and reproductive health and population dynamics. Students are also exposed to the day-to-day operation of CDC's nationwide surveillance system.
Diverse projects are offered for students to work on during their elective. Some participants have become co-authors on publications of major health importance. Other students receive experience in applied epidemiology through participation in the investigation of public health problems throughout the United States and the analysis of public health data.
Most elective assignments are based at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. However, assignments to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Cincinnati, Ohio, Morgantown, West Virginia, or Anchorage, Alaska, can be
arranged.
Occasionally, students are assigned to a state or local health
department; the Indian Health Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico; the
Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases in Fort Collins,
Colorado; or the Arctic Investigation Lab in Anchorage, Alaska.
Elective students are often supervised by a select group of "medical detectives" known as Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officers. Many of these officers were former participants of the Epidemiology Elective Program.
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An
opportunity to learn about public health and preventive
medicine
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The elective is offered from September through early June each year. Assignments are scheduled for a period of 6-8 weeks depending on the student's program of study and elective schedule. Every attempt is made to assign each student to an area of health concern of his/her choice.
Placements are made in June for students beginning their
elective in September, October, November, or December, and in September for students
arriving January through June.
Students who are selected for the program must pay the cost of the round-trip transportation to Atlanta and their living expenses during the elective. However, travel and living expenses related to field investigations away from Atlanta are paid by
EPO.
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Students
in Action
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"This elective was one of the highlights of my medical school
experience."
"This was a great experience for me – I learned that veterinarians are very much needed in public health. I also got a firsthand look at the professional life of a person in the public health field and decided that it is a career worth pursuing.
Thanks!"
"I had a fantastic time working with my mentor, Dr. James Alexander. The project set up for me was small enough to make significant headway, yet complex enough to allow me to grapple with many epidemiologic concepts. Jim was excellent, bright, and patient. He spent much time explaining things, yet he gave me plenty of room to exercise independent judgment."
"Great elective! The outbreak investigation was a particularly valuable experience. I enjoyed the opportunity to see a project from inception to completion."
"My experience was textbook and I won't hesitate to recommend this opportunity to anyone in the veterinary or medical professional programs."
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Interested students should
complete and submit an application form together with two letters of recommendation.
The application deadline is May 30th of the applicant's junior year. Application forms and further information can be obtained
from:
Coordinator, Epidemiology Elective Program
Epidemiology Program Office
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd NE
Mailstop D18
Atlanta, GA 30333
Call: 888-496-8347 (Toll Free), or 404-639-4774
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The CDC, in Atlanta, Georgia, is the lead prevention agency of the Public Health Service, responsible for assisting state and local health departments – and the medical community at large – in preventing unnecessary morbidity and premature mortality. CDC provides leadership and direction in public health practice through its centers, institutes, and offices listed below.
EPIDEMIOLOGY PROGRAM OFFICE
Provides national and international epidemiologic support; publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
(MMWR) series of publications as well as other CDC-based material; and trains experts in epidemiology.
PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE PROGRAM OFFICE
Increases the effectiveness of public health delivery systems in promoting health and preventing disease.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Prevents occupational injuries, illnesses, and premature mortality caused by mechanical hazards, vibration, exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation, and other occupational hazards.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Prevents and controls unnecessary morbidity and premature mortality associated with infectious diseases of public health importance.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HIV, STD, & TB PREVENTION
Prevents and controls immunodeficiency virus infection, sexually transmitted disease, and tuberculosis.
NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM
Provides national leadership for planning, coordinating, and conducting Federal, State, and local immunization activities.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION
Prevents death and disability from chronic disease and promotes healthy personal behavior.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS
Monitors the health of the American people, factors affecting their health, the impact of illness and disability, and the nation's health-care system.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR INJURY PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Plans, directs, and coordinates a national program designed to prevent premature death and disability and reduce human suffering and medical costs associated with intentional and unintentional injuries.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Investigates possible relationships between environmental hazards and health effects, and responds to emerging environmental health problems such as exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and various forms of radiation.
NATIONAL CENTER ON BIRTH DEFECTS AND
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Seeks to promote optimal fetal, infant, and child development; prevent birth defects and childhood developmental disabilities; and enhance the quality of life and prevent secondary conditions among children, adolescents, and adults who are living with a disability.
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