A practical way to train epidemiologists.

This article discusses the newly implemented 1980 field epidemiology training program of Thailand. Recruited physicians follow a 2-year program as fully paid employees of the Ministry of Health. The program begins with a 4-week introductory course on general epidemiology biostatistics and selected infectious and noninfectious diseases. Upon completion of introductory courses the candidate rotates through different divisions in the Ministry for a period of 2-3 months. Disease surveillance investigation of epidemics research service training and seminars are all part of the 2-year training program. The results achieved after the first 2 years are discussed. Planned to meet the national needs the Thailand training program still requires adequate supervision of the trainees. The size of the training program should also be planned according to the resources available. Several of the projects completed by the trainees have provided useful information for program evaluation and improvement.