About FETP

WHAT IS FETP?

The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) model is based on the two-year field-based training course of the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta since 1951. FETPs have now been adapted in many countries around the world.

Field-based epidemiology training programs (FETP) are structured to equip the trainees with key competencies in the epidemiological process, communication, professionalism and public health management. The typical curriculum includes outbreak investigation and public health surveillance. It can be adapted according to the needs of the practice environment.

WHY FETP?

Compared to traditional schooling, this model has several unique features:

• There are many more opportunities in field-based training for active, hands-on, supervised application of skills. Use of ‘learn by doing’ approaches ensures that there is no gap between theoretical, classroom-based study and the hands-on practice in real-life situations.
• All field-based epidemiology training programs are “apprenticeship-type,” with oriented and trained supervisors providing ongoing feedback, guidance, recommendations and follow-up.

Trainees are partners in learning, not passive recipients of knowledge. They are actively engaged and are providing service to the sponsoring government or agency. Their own experience is considered a resource.

HOW FETP WORKS?

Aiming at creating top-level field epidemiologists, typically a 2 year training (or shorter duration based on the situation) where a large proportion of the training comprises a supervised field-based training. The training course typically begins with didactic and interactive lectures, problem-based case studies, basic epidemiological methods and statistics and computer training. All this normally lasts several weeks. This is followed by almost two years of supervised fieldwork, where trainees are supervised in the practical application of epidemiology to real public health issues