Eligibility Requirements

The PMR/F programs seek qualified physicians, veterinarians, dentists, nurses, and physician assistants with an interest in public health and preventive medicine plus a commitment to public service.

Applicants must:

• Commit to a 1- or 2-year full-time training period (depending on the program) starting in mid-June
• Be willing to relocate for duration of training
• Meet the professional and licensing requirements for hiring by the U.S. government according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have trained in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) program or have comparable applied epidemiology experience

 

Residency Requirements

Physicians meeting these criteria may apply:

• Have completed at least 12 months of ACGME-accredited postgraduate clinical training involving at least 11 months of direct patient care
• Have a current, full, and unrestricted medical license from a U.S. licensing jurisdiction
• Have a Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent accredited degree, per ACGME requirements (there are some exceptions to the degree requirement)
  • Note ACGME requirements for an MPH — see the ACGME website for more information
  • Minimum course requirements include — biostatistics; epidemiology; environmental/occupational health; health services management and administration; and behavioral health science
  • Additional courses should include — upper level applied epidemiology (to include acute and chronic disease); upper level biostatistics; upper level health services management; clinical preventive services; and risk or hazard control and communication

Exceptions for Physicians without an MPH or equivalent

Physicians may be sponsored during the residency to obtain an MPH degree. The completion of necessary courses to earn the degree will be integrated into the training program.

Qualifying candidates for MPH sponsorship include the following:

• A Commissioned Corps officer in the U.S. Public Health Service at the time of application with
• A commitment to an additional 2-year service obligation in the Commissioned Corps following the residency and
• A willingness to attend the academic institution for the MPH selected by the residency (be willing to relocate)

 

Fellowship Requirements

Health professionals meeting these criteria may apply:

• Veterinarians
• Dentists
• Registered nurses
• Physician assistants
• International medical graduates (physicians) who have no ACGME- or American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-accredited postgraduate clinical training

Applicants must have the following:

• An MPH or equivalent degree from an accredited institution
• A current, full, and unrestricted license from a U.S. licensing jurisdiction in their qualifying clinical specialty (see exceptions below)

Exceptions to the U.S. Licensing Requirement

Physicians who have graduated from a medical school outside the U.S. and do not have a current, full, and unrestricted license from a U.S. licensing jurisdiction may apply.

 

Additional Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate ability in the following:

• Applied epidemiology
• Public health practice
• Written and oral communication for scientific audiences