A call for an inclusive path forward: developing a roadmap for diversity
and equity for field epidemiologists.
Abstract
Originating in 1951 in the United States with a cohort of male
physicians, field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) now support
workforce development in more than 200 countries and territories, with
graduates of diverse genders and professional backgrounds. Through the
2018 The Path Forward: The Global Field Epidemiology Roadmap, the field
epidemiology leadership group put forward strategies to modernize field
epidemiology into the 21st century. The roadmap lacked intersection with
contemporary concerns, including diversity, equity and inclusion.
Mirroring global health workforce trends that see women overrepresented
at the frontline and underrepresented across leadership, a review of the
processes to develop The Path Forward highlight inequities across field
epidemiology leadership. While nascent Global Field Epidemiology
Partnership finalizes its first strategic plan, we provide
recommendations to strengthen the utility and relevance of field
epidemiology strategies and leadership through investing in
understanding the population who are field epidemiologists, creating
space for untraditional voices, and diversifying leadership.