Canadian Field Epidemiology Program

Building a skilled, mobile and connected workforce

PHAC's Canadian Field Epidemiology Program (CFEP) builds Canada's public health capacity. The program trains public health professionals in applied epidemiology-the specialized techniques and competencies required to respond to diverse public health issues in real-life settings.

It also mobilizes field epidemiologists anywhere they are needed within Canada or around the world, supporting public health organizations as they respond to urgent public health events.

Finally, the program creates and nourishes a vibrant network of public health professionals to promote the sharing of ideas, insights and information.

Eligibility

CFEP accepts three streams of field epidemiologist applicants for training: EC-05, VM-02 and MD-MOF-01. Eligibility requirements for each stream are described as part of the annual hiring process posted each fall on the Public Service Commission of Canada website.

Program description

Field epidemiologists in the program spend two years as full-time employees of PHAC, although they work and learn at placement sites within a provincial, territorial, regional or local government department or public health agency. Placement sites provide the infrastructure, opportunities and mentoring needed to meet program requirements.

Participants collaborate on field investigations away from their placement site; these investigations typically last for several weeks and often involve evening and weekend work.

In addition to this on-the-job experience, field epidemiologists in the program attend conferences, workshops and training sessions. During the program, they must complete the following nine professional experience guidelines (PEGs):

• Field investigation
• Epidemiologic analysis
• Public health surveillance system
• Peer-reviewed journal
• Public health update
• Oral presentation
• Conference abstract
• General communication
• Public health service

CFEP is also a partner in the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) and occasionally responds to requests from the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). As a result of these connections, Field Epidemiologists may have the opportunity to present their work at international conferences and support investigations outside Canada.

Apply

Applications are accepted only through the Public Service Commission (PSC) website. To find job posters, search for jobs using the keywords "Field Epidemiologist".

New positions are posted on the PSC site every fall. Each job poster will include details on the application process and deadlines.

Stay connected

To receive updates from the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program, as well as information on applied epidemiology training, events, and career opportunities, subscribe to the Canadian Field Epidemiology e-mail subscription service. For specific questions, please e-mail: cfep-pcet@phac-aspc.gc.ca.