Canadian Field Epidemiology Program
On this page
- Building a skilled, mobile, and connected workforce
- Accreditation with distinction
- Eligibility
- Program description
- What you'll do
- How to apply
- Become a placement site for candidates
- Request the assistance of a field epidemiologist
- Stay connected
Building a skilled, mobile, and connected workforce
The Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP) offers a unique opportunity for public health professionals to make a tangible difference both in Canada and around the world. The program trains individuals in applied epidemiology, which are the specialized skills needed to respond to a wide range of urgent health challenges. With the program, you'll develop the expertise to tackle real-world public health issues and be part of a global network that's improving public health outcomes everywhere.
Through the program, participants gain not only technical knowledge but also hands-on experience working with public health organizations during urgent public health events. This program is a stepping stone to a leadership role in public health, offering a supportive community of professionals who share insights, collaborate, and drive meaningful change.
Accreditation with distinction
The program is accredited with distinction and merit in emergency response by the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET). This accreditation ensures that the program aligns with global standards in field epidemiology training, particularly in emergency response. The program's high quality is recognized through a rigorous evaluation of the following key areas:
- staffing and supervision
- continuous quality improvement
- integration with public health service
- management, infrastructure, and operations
- selection and training of field epidemiologists
This distinguished accreditation ensures that the program provides a world-class, comprehensive training experience that prepares participants to respond to health crises with expertise and confidence.
Learn more:
Eligibility
CFEP invites applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- medicine
- public health
- health sciences
Field epidemiologists are recruited through various streams, such as:
- medicine
- epidemiology
- veterinary medicine
Each stream brings unique skills and perspectives to our team. The program is open to individuals interested in gaining expertise in field epidemiology. Eligibility requirements are updated annually on the Public Service Commission of Canada's website in the fall.
Program description
Field epidemiologists in the program work as full-time, term contract employees of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for a duration of 2 years. During this time, they gain hands-on experience by working at placement sites within public health departments at the provincial, territorial, regional, or local government level. These placement sites provide essential infrastructure, opportunities, and mentorship to ensure participants meet the program's requirements.
What you'll do
During the program, you'll be involved in a variety of experiences that help you develop your skills and expertise in real-life public health situations.
Field epidemiologists are required to meet 8 professional experience guidelines (PEGs) to ensure comprehensive development in applied public health. These guidelines ensure that program participants gain comprehensive, hands-on experience in key areas of field epidemiology, preparing them for the challenges of public health leadership.
The 8 areas of focus are:
- field investigation
- epidemiologic analysis
- public health surveillance system evaluation, enhancement, or implementation
- peer-reviewed publication
- public health update
- oral presentation
- general communication
- public health service
Learning and development opportunities
PHAC's outbreak support often takes field epidemiologists to different communities across Canada to respond to urgent public health challenges. These investigations can last several weeks and may require evening and weekend work.
You will also have opportunities to enhance your expertise and technical skills to support your ongoing professional development. You'll be offered a combination of:
- virtual learning
- online training modules
- targeted in-person events, as available
The program also partners with the TEPHINET and the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). Through these engagements, field epidemiologists may have the rare opportunity to present their work at international conferences or contribute to global health investigations.
Learn more:
How to apply
Apply through the Public Service Commission website, where new opportunities are posted every fall. To explore available positions, search for "Field epidemiologist" in the job listings.
Job opportunities at the Public Health Agency of Canada
Become a placement site for candidates
Placement sites provide the mentorship and opportunities that are essential to the overall learning experience of a field epidemiologist. In return, sites gain access to highly qualified public health professionals, eager to share their skills and knowledge.
Become a Canadian Field Epidemiology Program placement site
Request the assistance of a field epidemiologist
As the PHAC focal point for emergency response, the Centre for Emergency Response coordinates all requests for assistance from the federal government, including requests for field epidemiology support.
Canadian provinces, territories and federal groups can request assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by emailing HPOC-COPS@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Stay connected
Subscribe to our email updates to stay informed about the program.
For specific questions, email us at cfep-pcet@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Related links
Page details
- Date modified: