The CDC Experience: Applied Epidemiology Fellowship

The CDC Experience Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

After what year of school do most students participate?
Students participate after they have completed their second or third year of medical school. It is suggested that the student have some clinical experience.
Is there a minimum time commitment for the fellowship?
The minimum commitment is 10 consecutive months, though fellows are encouraged to take advantage of the 12 months of the program. Fellows participating in the class of 2009 must at least stay through June 19, 2010.
When does the program year start and end?
For the class of 2009-2010, the program starts August 20, 2007, and fellows are expected to participate at least through June 22, 2008.

When is the final presentation and graduation ceremony?
For the class of 2009-2010, the final presentation and graduation will be in mid-June 2010.

When are field experiences available to The CDC Experience fellows?
Field experiences may be available throughout the year, but the number of opportunities are greatest in June, July and August.

Does The CDC Experience offer opportunities to work in other locations or internationally?
The CDC Experience is based at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Fellows may participate in field experiences or conferences outside of Atlanta. Opportunities for extensive international work are very limited.
Are fellows permitted to take courses while participating in this program?
No. The CDC Experience is considered a full-time commitment. Fellows may not take any courses while participating in The CDC Experience.

Eligibility

Do you have to have prior research/public health experience or an M.P.H.?
No. It can be advantageous, but is not required.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
You must either be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to be eligible.
What if I’m a U.S. citizen attending a foreign medical school?
You would not be eligible because you must be attending an allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States or Puerto Rico.
Are veterinary, dental, microbiology or Ph.D. students eligible to apply?
No.
Are medical students who have completed their fourth year of medical school eligible?
No. Students must have completed either their second or third year of medical school.

Application Process

How many students apply?
The fellowship receives about 50 applications per year.
How many fellowship positions will there be in future years?
Each fellowship class will have a minimum of eight positions.
How many people from each school can apply?
There is no limit on the number of applicants from each school.
Are applicants selected based on their test scores?
No.
Does your school have to nominate you?
No. However, you do need approval from your dean of student affairs (or equivalent) to participate in the program. This topic is addressed in the application package in the section titled, “Instructions for Reference Letters.”
Who should write the letters of recommendation?
Individuals who can best evaluate your quantitative skills, analytic thinking, written and oral communications, interpersonal and team skills, initiative and potential for improving these skills in an applied epidemiology fellowship.
Can letters of reference be mailed separately from my application?
Yes. Letters should be mailed directly to The CDC Experience office from the recommender.
How can I confirm that The CDC Experience office received my reference letters?
You may e-mail the program coordinator for confirmation: cdcexperience@cdcfoundation.org.
What comprises a complete application package?
Receipt of the following items by the application deadline: official transcripts from undergraduate, graduate (if applicable) and medical schools, reference letters, curriculum vitae and a personal statement. Also, please send an electronic version of your CV and personal statement.
How are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed by The CDC Experience staff and CDC epidemiologists.
If I am accepted, can I defer my participation in the program for a year?
No. If you cannot participate in the year for which you applied, you will have to re-apply the following year.
If I am not accepted, can I re-apply the following year?
Yes.
If I choose to re-apply can you use my prior year’s application?
No. You will have to submit a new application package.

Interview Process

When do you notify applicants if they have been selected for interviews?
Applicants will be notified in early February if they have been selected for interviews.
How many students are interviewed?
We anticipate interviewing at least twice as many applicants as there are positions available.
When are interviews?
Interviews for the class of 2009 will be held only on Saturday, February 28, 2009, and you must be present in Atlanta to interview. A dinner for the candidates is planned for Friday night, February 27, 2009.
Who is responsible for travel expenses to the interview?
Transportation, lodging and meal expenses incurred for travel to the intervew are reimbursable through the CDC Foundation.
When do you notify students whether they have been accepted?
Official notification of the fellows selected will be sent to all students who completed an interview within two weeks of the interview day. The students who are accepted will be contacted by the The CDC Experience program coordinator.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes.

Assignments

Is there a list of projects and mentors that I can choose from?
The CDC Experience solicits project proposals throughout CDC, and then reviews all submitted proposals to assure that they meet program requirements. Applicants invited for an interview receive a list of 15-20 of the project porposals submitted by CDC programs. Candidates are asked to review and indicate their preferences. The CDC Experience makes every effort to schedule interviews with project mentors based on these preferences.
Will I be assigned a mentor?
Yes, fellows are assigned a primary and secondary mentor. Assignments are based on both the fellow's ranking of project proposals and the mentor's ranking of candidates after the interview process. The mentor oversees the fellow’s training, helps to identify projects and activities, and offers guidance to the fellow throughout his/her tenure in the program.
If I have worked at CDC before, can I request an assignment at the same place?
You would not be permitted to work in the same area, since one objective of the fellowship is to broaden your public health experience.

Stipend and Benefits

What is the stipend for CDC Experience fellows?
Fellows will receive an annual stipend of up to $33,600 to be paid in monthly installments of $2,800 per month through the CDC Foundation. Stipend checks are issued monthly.
Is the stipend taxable?
The CDC Foundation does not withhold state or federal income taxes. You will receive a MISC-1099 form from the CDC Foundation tor tax reporting at the end of the year. The best source of information regarding tax issues is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In general, non-degree seeking candidates may not exclude their fellowship from income and are subject to income tax on the full amount of the fellowship stipend. Publication #520 on the IRS Web site (www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p520.pdf) addresses specific questions you may have related to taxes and the fellowship. You may wish to consult a tax advisor or other financial analyst for clarification of the tax-related implications of the fellowship.
What are the benefits?
The CDC Experience will issue laptop computers to each fellow for use during the fellowship. There will be limited funds for conference attendance, books and courses.

The fellow under this agreement is not an employee of the CDC Foundation or a federal employee, but is a trainee to the CDC Foundtion with the fellow's education and training occurring at CDC. An individual serving as a fellow/independent contractor with the CDC Foundation is not eligible to participate as the primary beneficiary in any federal health insurance, life insurance, retirement or sick and annual leave programs.

Are moving expenses and health insurance covered?
An allowance for health insurance and relocation is included in the monthly stipend. No additional funds are available.
Does a participant get vacation or sick leave during the fellowship period?
The CDC Experience fellows must have all absences approved by their mentor. Fellows are independent contractors of the CDC Foundation; they do not accrue vacation or sick leave.

Housing

Is housing provided?
Fellows will be responsible for securing their own housing. Suggested housing resources on the Web:

Loan Deferment

What about my loans?
Check with your school’s financial aid office or registrar to see if your school has a special non-resident student status so you can remain matriculated. You can request loan deferment forms from your loan-servicing center. Most students are successful in getting their loans deferred.

Insurance

Is health insurance a requirement of the program?
Yes. Before beginning the fellowship, fellows must provide proof of insurance for the time they will be participating in the program. You may be able to extend your school insurance to cover you during your time away or you may obtain insurance privately. There is also a mechanism available through the American Medical Student Association to obtain coverage during a fellowship year.

Still have a question? E-mail cdcexperience@cdcfoundation.org or call 404.498.6151.