Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS)

CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers serve on the forefront of public health, protecting Americans and the global community, while training under the guidance of seasoned mentors. When disease outbreaks or other public health threats emerge, EIS officers investigate, identify the cause, rapidly implement control measures, and collect evidence to recommend preventive actions.  

During this 2-year hands-on service fellowship, EIS officers serve our country while learning applied epidemiology and gaining practical skills to become future public health leaders.  

On-the-job training activities involve:  

• Applying epidemiologic skills in assigned public health projects, such as infectious and noninfectious disease, global health, injury prevention, environmental health, and occupational health 
• Deploying as a ready responder to CDC’s Emergency Operations Center or field site to provide epidemiologic assistance for disease outbreaks and other urgent public health threats, and to provide disaster relief following natural and industrial events 
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary experts across and within CDC, other public health agencies and partners 
• Meeting routinely with supervisor(s) 
• Consulting with mentors, supervisors and other seasoned professionals within the EIS network 

Individuals across a whole spectrum of disciplines have participated in EIS from doctoral-level scientists and physicians to nurses and historians to veterinarians and speech pathologists and more! For more information about EIS officers’ fellowship experiences, visit the EIS Hear Our Stories web page.