Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs

Abstract

A workforce with the adequate field epidemiology knowledge, skills and abilities is the foundation of a strong and effective animal health system. Field epidemiology training is conducted in several countries to meet the increased global demand for such a workforce. However, core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology have not been identified and agreed upon globally, leading to the development of different training curricula. Having a set of agreed core competencies can harmonize field veterinary epidemiology training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a collective, iterative, and participative process to achieve this and organized two expert consultative workshops in 2018 to develop core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology at the frontline and intermediate levels. Based on these expert discussions, 13 competencies were identified for the frontline and intermediate levels. These competencies were organized into three domains: epidemiological surveillance and studies; field investigation, preparedness and response; and One Health, communication, ethics and professionalism. These competencies can be used to facilitate the development of field epidemiology training curricula for veterinarians, adapted to country training needs, or customized for training other close disciplines. The competencies can also be useful for mentors and employers to monitor and evaluate the progress of their mentees, or to guide the selection process during the recruitment of new staff.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Apr 06, 2023
Source ID
10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375

Entities

People

  • Angela Hilmers
  • Baba Soumare
  • Carmen Varela Santos
  • Caryl Lockhart
  • Cristina Rojo-gimeno
  • Cécile Squarzoni
  • Daniel Beltran-alcrudo
  • David Mario Castellan
  • Fairouz Larfaoui
  • Harentsoaniaina Rasamoelina
  • Holy Akwar
  • Innocent Rwego
  • Javier Guitian
  • Jeffrey Gilbert
  • Julio Pinto
  • Kachen Wongsathapornchai
  • Karoon Chanachai
  • Keith Sumption
  • Laura Cristina Falzon
  • Leo Loth
  • Madhur Dhingra
  • Navneet Dhand
  • Paolo Motta
  • Ravi Bandara Dissanayake
  • Rianatou Bada Alambeji
  • Sam Okuthe
  • Sean Shadomy
  • Stephanie Salyer
  • Thanawat Tiensin
  • Yaghouba Kane

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Tags

Readers

  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).
  • Political Science/ International Relations/ European Studies