The Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools CDC Student Fellowship

Program is an intensive 6-month paid traineeship that places students at either the CDC Headquarters or one of the satellite offices across the country. The program provides each fellow with an increased understanding of public health and the CDC through practical hands-on experiences and is intended for individuals who are able to commit to a 6-month placement and are interested in pursuing a full-time position at the CDC or one of

the other agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services. Also, each trainee is matched, according to the area of interest outlined in their application, with a mentor who is an experienced scientist/researcher at the CDC. In addition, the trainee will work on a specific project (to be determined upon acceptance into program) with his/her mentor.

The program consists of the following activities/requirements (subject to change). All fellows are required to complete all activities as part of the program.

• Orientation at CDC Headquarters: HSHPS and CDC staff will provide information on program, federal system, benefits, and obligations. The session will be for 2-4 days and will be the first gathering of all participants, mentors, and program administrators.
• Thematic Weekly Seminars (minimum 12): Trainees will be expected to attend weekly seminars which are held within various Centers, Institutes, and Offices at the CDC. The seminars will provide information on career opportunities, current research activities, etc.
• Milestone Completion Summary Chart: Trainees will be required to maintain a summary of their progress outlining milestones, obstacles, adjustments, etc. during the program.
• Research Project: Trainees will be expected to assist his/her mentor on a Hispanic health related project.
• Reaction Paper: Trainees will be required to submit an analytical and detailed synopsis of their experiences at the end of the program.
• Presentation of Findings at CDC Headquarters: Trainees will be required to present their findings, key results of their final project, and an overview of their experiences at the end of the program.

Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in various networking events with CDC scientists and researchers, policy and program development meetings, staff meetings, and agency-wide meetings on major Federal initiatives related to Hispanic health.

The HSHPS/CDC Student Training Programs are part of a cooperative agreement between Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools (HSHPS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The program began in 2002 and is designed “…to foster the development of public health and research skills of Hispanic medical and public health students in order to increase the number of students who pursue careers in epidemiology, preventive medicine, and public health research.”

The programs provide students with research/clinical experiences that will enhance their knowledge of current techniques in surveillance and interventions directed at improving the health of Hispanic populations.

HSHPS offers three training programs: the Student Internship Program, located at the CDC headquarters or at a satellite office; the U.S.-Mexico Border Program; and the 6-month Student Fellowship Program at CDC offices.

Applicants must be a current student in good academic standing, enrolled in a masters or doctoral program in medicine, public health, or a biomedical science at an HSHPS member institution, or a recent graduate of one of these programs.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Applicants should have a documented interest in improving the health of Hispanics through public health work, border health activities, and/or research.

Each student must make a commitment to be available for the full duration of the traineeship and to complete all program requirements.

While this program is targeted at students of Hispanic origin, non-Hispanic students who have an interest in Hispanic health issues are also encouraged to apply.

Contact:

J.Mauricio Conde
Program Coordinator
Telephone: (202) 293-2701 ext. 104
Fax: (202) 293-2704
Email: J.Mauricio Conde

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