News

“One Health” Air Force Veterinarian Receives U.S. Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fellowship   Major Thomas Doker (DVM, DACVPM, MPH, CPH), the public health flight chief for the 82nd Aerospace Medical Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base in Frederick, Oklahoma, was recently chosen for a fellowship with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) that will begin in July 2012. The fellowship is for field epidemiology and will include surveillance for emerging diseases, their origin and investigation.  Dr. Doker is a strong One Health supporter and advocate. He characterized this announcement to the One Health Initiative website team by saying:     “I am looking forward to a rewarding “one-health” experience with the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  U.S. Air Force Public Health Officers already practice one-health preventive medicine by working directly with physicians, veterinarians, dentists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other public health professionals for disease surveillance, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of communicable, occupational, and chronic diseases.  We also are in charge of environmental health surveillance and control for foodborne, vectorborne, and waterborne pathogens.    Per the CDC Web site, “The EIS is a unique 2-year post-graduate training program of service and on-the-job learning for health professionals interested in the practice of applied epidemiology.”  These health professionals are accepted from across the one-health spectrum:  Physicians, Doctoral-level Scientists (Epidemiology; Biostatistics; Biological, Environmental, Social, Behavioral, or Nutritional Science), Medical Professionals (Dentists, Nurses, Physician Assistants, or Doctors of Pharmacy), and Veterinary Medical Professionals, i.e. Veterinarians.   EIS officers work as a one-health team within state or local health departments as well as at the CDC to conduct both routine research and research associated with urgent or emergent public health problems.  Investigation of public health diseases requires “focusing on the complex interplay between human health, the health of animals, and the environment”.  I look forward to the chance for furthering my one-health knowledge by building on my past experiences as a field veterinarian and an Air Force Public Health Officer.  The chance to work with other health professionals within the EIS construct is an exciting opportunity!”