Key points
- The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø’s globally recognized applied epidemiology training program.
- Established in 1951, EIS has trained over 4,000 disease detectives who have investigated and responded to a wide range of public health challenges and emergencies.
Overview
EIS offers an unparalleled service and learning program. EIS officers are ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's disease detectives who learn from and work alongside subject matter experts while providing service to domestic and international partners. EIS maintains its core focus on training disease detectives to practice consequential epidemiology, which is the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data for evidence-based public health action.
EIS was among the first programs to be accredited by the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (), the global network for field epidemiology training programs (FETPs), during their first accreditation cycle in 2016. During the 2023 reaccreditation cycle, EIS achieved reaccreditation at a new and higher level, earning distinction in all standards and merit in all thematic areas.
EIS will continue preparing generations of public health leaders for years to come. The EIS program plays a critical role in strengthening the public health workforce. We are focused on preparing a workforce that is ready to face existing and emerging public health threats. For both EIS officers and our staff, we are committed to attracting and recruiting highly trained and service-oriented applicants from a variety of disciplines, experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Did You Know?
Timeline
Milestone Investigations
EIS has a 73-year history of success in training disease detectives. EIS officers step up at a moment's notice to investigate public health threats in the United States and around the world. From the Smallpox Eradication Program in the 1960's to the COVID-19 pandemic, EIS officers are called on to protect people and save lives.
Preparedness
EIS has changed all elements of their program to be better prepared to respond and serve
The EIS program constantly evolves as the field of epidemiology, the science of learning and communication, and the needs of ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø and state and local health departments change over time. With most EIS officers remaining in public health positions after the fellowship, the EIS program is uniquely positioned to have an impact on public health.
We recognize this opportunity and accept the responsibility to recruit, select, and train EIS officers and program staff from a breadth of backgrounds who are well prepared to respond to existing and emerging public health threats. The following describes some examples of how we do this as a program:
Recruitment
- Host a series of webinars that is available for all interested applicants about the EIS experience and the EIS application process
- Host virtual participation opportunities for EIS conference attendees to learn about the program
- Work with partners to increase awareness of the program.
Selection
- Hold virtual interviews to reduce barriers for applicants to participate across geographic locations
- Invite Selection Advisors (from outside of the EIS program) to review and participate in the fellowship selection process; this promotes transparency and ensures that the process is standardized and fair
- Train staff involved as application reviewers and interviewers to ensure a standardized and fair process
Training
- Facilitate trainings for EIS officers based on best practices for addressing all factors that influence health outcomes
- Require programs that host EIS officers (or host sites) to describe how projects would consider all factors that influence health outcomes
Reports
The Epidemic Intelligence Service 2023 Annual Update features recent program highlights, response work summaries, EIS class demographics, and more. See previous annual reports on the .
Historically Significant Publications
- Goodman RA, Bauman CF, Gregg MB, Videtto JF, Stroup DF, Chalmers NP. Public Health Rep. 1990;105(6):604–610.Discusses the epidemiologic field investigation as an important tool ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø uses to assist state, local, and international public health agencies.
- Thacker SB, Buffington J. Int J Epidemiol. 2001;30(2):320–325.
Reviews literature examining key issues in epidemiologic practice and training. - Pappaioanou M, Garbe PL, Glynn MK, Thacker SB. J Vet Med Educ. 2003;30(4):383–391.
Puts forth EIS as a career option for veterinarians. - Kelsey, Hugh J. Thesis, Georgia State University, 2006.
Examines the evolving roles of the Epidemic Intelligence Service Chief, program, and ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø in relation to public health history. - Epidemiology and public health at ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006;55(Suppl No. 2):3–4.
Defines epidemiology and traces its relationship with public health at ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø. - Hamilton DH. Virtual Mentor. 2006;8(4):261–264.
Highlights early and more recent investigations that reflect the EIS program's key philosophy—to train epidemiologists to respond to the whole spectrum of public health emergencies. - Thacker SB, Dannenberg AL, Hamilton DH. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;154(11):985–992.
Highlights the changing experience of EIS officers because of increased need for more sophisticated analytical methods and tools, as well as ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's expanded mission into chronic diseases, environmental health, occupational health, and injury control. - Rolle IV, Pearson ML, Nsubuga P. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174(11 Suppl.):S97–112.
Focuses on the evolution of EIS officers' international epidemiologic field investigations and how they contribute to global disease prevention and control, public health science, and health policy. - Koplan JP, Foege WH. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174(11 Suppl.):S1–3.
Reflects on the evolution of the Epi-Aid; a written summary of a field investigation and a key element of the EIS officers' experience. - Hinman AR, Orenstein WA, Schuchat A. Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174(11 Suppl.):S16–22.
Describes past and future role of EIS in vaccine-preventable diseases epidemiology and immunization program implementation. - Minhaj FS, Carranza D, Adeyemo A, Smith DJ. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2022 Apr 20:S1544-3191(22)00129-7.
Puts forth EIS as a career pathway for pharmacists. - So M, Winquist A, Fisher S, Eaton D, Carroll D, Simone P, Pevzner E, Arvelo W. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 30;19(11):6662.
Examines the EIS program's effect on graduates' leadership outcomes.