Exploring postgraduate epidemiology competencies: Preparing our students for a post-COVID world

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Postgraduate epidemiology programs train future public health professionals.
• Defining essential competencies is vital for curriculum development and workforce readiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve consensus on core competencies for postgraduate epidemiology students.
• To gather perspectives from both experts and recent graduates.

Main Methods:

• A two-round online survey using a modified Delphi method with experts.
• Focus groups with recent postgraduate epidemiology graduates to discuss learning and employability.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 19 factors across six competency domains.
• Key areas included epidemiologic methods, advanced statistical skills, and professional/transferable skills.
• Graduates highlighted the significant value of dissertations for research application and networking.

Conclusions:

• Establishing consensus on essential skills is necessary for high-quality epidemiological research and practice.
• Regularly reviewing postgraduate epidemiology competencies is vital for a workforce prepared for emerging public health challenges.