CDC Internship/Employment

[JessieLee]

I bumped an old thread (2002) in Pre-Allo with this question but it keeps getting buried and I don't think anyone ever reads far enough down in the thread to see my question.

After talking with family members who work for the federal government, I think I'd really like to work for the CDC after residency. 😍 The benefits listed on their site look pretty good and I'm hoping to be able to travel a lot (international and national) while employed there. Has anyone else researched this?

Does anyone have any advice on applying? How competitive is it?

How often would a new Medical Officer be able to travel? Do they have benefits that help you pay off student loans? I'm a female, so I shouldn't have to worry about being drafted right?

Also, I've been looking on the site for summer internship/employment, so I can get a feel for how the CDC runs. Do they offer summer programs that involve traveling? The "Summer Internship/Employment" would be for the break between MI and MII.

I didn't post in Military Med. because (although I am greatful to everyone in the services) I have no desire to join the military. Please be kind it's my first thread. 😳

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[Bushido416]

I'm not too familiar with the CDC's program but I have another program you may want to look into if you're thinking of going into government service. The main organization that the CDC turns to when they got no clue is USAMRIID (US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease) They do what the CDC does but to a more serious level. CDC is looking for the next flu outbreak while these people are looking into Ebola outbreaks or potential emerging threats. You don't have to be in the army to join them. Depending on how much research you would like there are contracting agencies that they hire from such as the NRC (national research counsel). These contractors work for a while and then they apply for internally offered positions (Gs positions). Usually with govt service (what I have done in the past) you need to get your foot in the door and have people like you first. An unknown resident applying for a GS position without any substantial experience will lose the position to someone in the organization. So check out their websites for internships and things like that. Also an MPH doesn't hurt for either of these organizations. Anyway best thing to do is get your foot in the door and get to know people who will go to bat for you should they create a GS position in the future. That's about the only way I'm aware of to make it work. Also I'm sure there's contracting agencies that hire out doctors to the CDC as with most govt institutions they have an "employee" cap but unlimited contracting potential. Hope that helps check out the website and get calling people down there to find out how you can get involved directly or through contracting agencies. best of luck

 

[RxnMan]

There is a CDC fellowship for medical students. If you're interested, check out the research forum FAQ - I've listed the link to the program there. look for year-off programs.

 

[JessieLee]

Thanks Bushido & RxnMan. I remember reading about USAMRIID in a book about the Ebola outbreak. It kind of freaked me out a bit so I never thought of working for them.

Off to check the Research forum...

 

[decal]

Several lecturers at our school have hyped the Epidemic Intelligence Service, a program ran by the CDC. They accept licensed MDs for two year assignments that can involve international travel (although its scope has been reduced in recent years). It sounds like a great way to make connections within the CDC.

 

[montessori2md]

If I understood the officer I spoke with, CDC can be a USPHS commissioned position, so you could also do an internship through USPHS (see their website for internship info, it's a summer program and the time counts towards your time).

I'm a little more nervous about USPHS after reading the Wash Post's article on medical care in immigration detention centers, but maybe the next administration will start funding health programs?

USAjobs website has a sister site dedicated solely to internships.

 

[JessieLee]

If I understood the officer I spoke with, CDC can be a USPHS commissioned position, so you could also do an internship through USPHS (see their website for internship info, it's a summer program and the time counts towards your time).

I'm a little more nervous about USPHS after reading the Wash Post's article on medical care in immigration detention centers, but maybe the next administration will start funding health programs?

USAjobs website has a sister site dedicated solely to internships.

The USPHS JRCOSTEP looks exactly like what I want for the summer. Thanks! I also read that article in the Washington Post. I never even thought about where people stayed while waiting to be deported until the Washington Post did their "Careless Detention" series.