Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Where Is the L-Track?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Laboratory Science

Background:

• Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) evolved to include a laboratory track (L-Track) in 2004, becoming Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTP).
• The L-Track aimed to equip candidates with both laboratory and epidemiology competencies, including management, policy, quality systems, diagnostic methods, surveillance, and outbreak response.
• Several FELTPs have since discontinued the L-Track, reverting to a single curriculum for both epidemiologists and laboratorians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reasons behind the discontinuation of the L-Track in FELTPs.
• To analyze the status of FELTP programs and understand changes in curriculum offerings.
• To assess the career progression and impact of FELTP L-Track graduates on the public health workforce.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to directors of 13 FELTP programs to gather data on program status and changes.
• Information collected included reasons for curriculum changes, entry qualifications, and graduate placement.
• Data from previous Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) internal assessments of FELTP L-Tracks were also reviewed.

Main Results:

• Ten out of 13 FELTP programs provided information; Kenya, Mozambique, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, and Mali discontinued their L-Tracks.
• Ghana, Georgia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania continue to offer separate L-Tracks.
• Key reasons for discontinuation included lack of standardized curricula, unclear L-Track strategies, and funding constraints. Graduates showed high upward mobility but often moved from core lab roles.

Conclusions:

• FELTP L-Track graduates contribute significantly to public health, demonstrating versatility and high career progression.
• The shift of graduates from core laboratory services highlights challenges in retaining qualified staff within laboratory systems.
• Strengthening laboratory management and leadership programs with a focus on laboratory systems and networks is crucial to meet workforce demands.