An elective rotation in applied epidemiology with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1975-1997.

INTRODUCTION: To increase awareness of and interest in public health and epidemiology, CDC initiated an elective in epidemiology and public health for senior medical students in 1975 and for veterinary students in 1982.

METHODS: A review of CDC records to describe participation in the elective, to assess whether students subsequently enrolled in another CDC training program, the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), and, if enrolled, employment status following EIS. A review of documentation of board certification in preventive medicine to determine how many participants later chose this specialty, one indicator of public health and prevention as a career choice.

RESULTS: From 1975 through 1997, 632 students participated in the elective. Of these, 438 (69%) were assigned to infectious disease areas, 95 (15%) to environmental health, 59 (9%) to chronic disease, and 40 (7%) to other areas. Students participated in at least 278 official investigations of important public health problems including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, chronic disease problems and access to health care. Of 530 students who had completed the elective through June 1995, 91 (17%) were enrolled in EIS by July 1997. Of 83 completing EIS by July 1997, 65 (78%) had continued in public health careers: 35 with CDC; 17 with local or state health departments; 7 with other federal agencies; 4 in academic public health; and 2 in international health. Of those not enrolling in EIS, at least 5% were certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, compared with 34% of those completing EIS.

CONCLUSION: An elective rotation in public health and applied epidemiology is valuable in introducing future physicians and veterinarians to the practice of public health, and can provide important role models for encouragement to pursue careers in public health.