California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (Cal-EIS) Fellowship, California Department of Public Health

The California Epidemiologic Investigation Service (Cal-EIS) is a one-year training program for health professionals who have at least a master’s degree in a field related to public health. The mission of Cal-EIS is to prepare epidemiologists for public health leadership positions in California.

Beginning July 1 through June 30, each Fellow is assigned to a Preceptor in a Program within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or within a local health department (LHD). The specific opportunities will depend in part upon the Preceptor and Program. Assignments may be available in fields such as environmental health; infectious disease control; chronic disease prevention; injury and violence prevention; maternal, child, and adolescent health; and others.

At the beginning of the training year, each Preceptor and assigned Fellow jointly identify and develop projects. Fellows perform activities and achieve competencies over a broad range of public health/epidemiology functions. Previous fellows have performed descriptive and/or analytic epidemiologic studies, evaluated programs to determine their effects on the incidence or severity of health problems, and investigated disease clusters. Former Cal-EIS Fellows have studied problems ranging from the relationship of air pollution and cardiovascular mortality to COVID-19 response.
If applicable, Cal-EIS Preceptors assist the Fellow in preparing the results of his or her studies for publication.

The application package must be emailed or postmarked by October 31, 2024 for the following training year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026; supplemental forms (official transcripts from graduate education and three letters of recommendation) must also be emailed or postmarked by October 31. Applications that do not meet these deadlines will not be considered for the current cycle. Application documents that are submitted electronically must be received by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on October 31, 2024.

Primary selection criteria are a demonstrated interest in and ability to practice epidemiology in a public health agency in California, and commitment to a career in epidemiology in California. 

Cal-EIS Applicant Requirements

• United States citizenship or possession of a Permanent Resident Card (green card) permitting one to live and work permanently in the United States.
• Possession of a master’s or doctoral degree in a health-related field (e.g., Masters of Public Health – Epidemiology/Biostatistics track preferred, doctorate in Epidemiology or Public Health, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine); and having taken at least two courses in epidemiology and two courses in biostatistics, and one course in R during graduate/professional school. 
• Applicant must reside within California during the Fellowship.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.’
• The primary selection criteria are demonstrated interest in and ability to practice epidemiology in a California public health agency, and commitment to a career in epidemiology in California. 

For more information and application instructions, visit the Cal-EIS Fellowship webpage.