Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FELTP)

BACKGROUND


Over the past 25 years, Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) have been established in over 33 countries worldwide. These programs are based upon the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2-year residency training program in applied epidemiology, which started in the 1950’s. The primary goal of these training programs is to develop field-trained epidemiologists who are competent in the practical application of epidemiological methods in a wide range of public health problems in their respective areas. There are five such programs in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe).


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION


The Department of Health, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Pretoria, are establishing a Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program that will provide graduates with a Masters in Public Health and two years of supervised work experience and training aimed at strengthening the practical skills and knowledge in applied or field epidemiology. The program is designed to train field epidemiology fellows for positions as national and provincial epidemiologists, surveillance officers or other relevant positions in the South African public health system upon successful completion of all the requirements of the training program.


PROGRAM PERIOD


SA FELTP invites applications for an initial class of up to 10 fellows. The field epidemiology residency programme will start in January 2007 and will be fulltime. Fellows will participate in several short courses at the University of Pretoria and NICD and work under a supervisor for the remainder of the two (2) years at a field placement site in their province or in another province should they be willing. Bursaries/stipends will be available for participants fulfilling predefined criteria.


APPLICATION PERIOD


Applications close on 20 August.


APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS


Educational requirements:
  • a three-year university bachelors degree from an accredited university plus at least five years’ applicable work experience (see below) OR
  • a four-year university bachelors degree from an accredited university with at least two years’ applicable work experience (see below); OR
  • an Honours degree from an accredited university to qualify for admission OR
  • graduates with medical degrees are encouraged to apply
Work experience:
  • Professional experience in a health field or other fields relevant to health
  • Experience in working in the South African public health system is desirable
  • Applicants should be fluent in spoken and written English. Other language skills are desirable.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND SUBMISSION

The following documents must be submitted with your application:
  1. Filled in application form
  2. A certified photocopy of your previous degree certificate(s).
  3. A certified copy of your transcript of record (in English) for subjects studied during your previous degree(s).
  4. References from two referees.
Send your completed application form and other required documents to:
Dr Bernice Harris
Head of the SA FELTP
National Institute for Communicable Diseases
Private Bag X4
Sandringham 2131
South Africa