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Program Overview
Headquartered at the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is a unique two-year, post-graduate program of service and on-the-job training for health professionals interested in the practice of epidemiology. Since 1951, over 2,000 EIS Officers have responded to requests for epidemiologic assistance within the United States and throughout the world.
Every year, CDC's Epidemiology Program Office selects 60-80 persons from among the nation's top health professionals to enter the EIS and pursue on-the-job training in applied epidemiologic skills skills vital to maintenance of public health. EIS Officers continue to play a major role in the implementation of CDC's mission of preventing disease and injury and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Officer Activities
While serving as part of the front-line of national and international epidemiologic activity, EIS Officers:
- Conduct epidemiologic investigations, research, and public health surveillance
- Serve the epidemiologic needs of state health departments
- Present epidemiologic papers at scientific and medical conferences; publish their work in the scientific literature
- Disseminate vital public health information to the media and the public
Officer Opportunities
EIS Officers have unique opportunities to:
- Apply training and skills to actual public health problems and issues
- Establish mentorships with recognized experts from CDC and other national and international health agencies
- Travel domestically and internationally
- Attend training courses in computers, biostatistics and epidemiology
Two-Year Assignments
EIS Officers serve in a variety of locations, including field assignment to state and local health departments and headquarters assignment to the centers, institutes, and offices of the CDC. Although international work may be part of any EIS
assignment, no 2-year assignment is based outside the United States. An EIS Officer must serve in a geographic location other than his or her previous location (exceptions are Atlanta, GA; Hyattsville, MD; Cincinnati, OH; and Morgantown, WV).
EIS assignments are made using a computerized matching system during the spring following acceptance into the EIS Program. The "match" is made based on CDC program and state needs, as well as areas of interest of the EIS Officer. Each year, approximately 25% of incoming EIS Officers are assigned directly to state or local health departments, with an Atlanta-based supervisor to complement local supervision. The other 75% of Officers are assigned to CDC headquarters in one of the following areas:
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (Atlanta, GA)
National Center for Environmental Health* (Atlanta, GA)
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control* (Atlanta, GA)
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion* (Atlanta, GA)
National Center for Health Statistics (Hyattsville, MD)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health* (Cincinnati, OH; Morgantown, WV; Anchorage, AK)
Public Health Practice Program Office
(Atlanta, GA)
* Centers with EIS assignment information on their website.
Salary and Benefits
Candidates are enrolled into the EIS Program through one of several distinct personnel systems:
- The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service
- The EIS Fellowship Program (non-U.S. citizens only)
Salaries range from $27,000 to $58,000 per annum, depending upon qualifications and experience.
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