Lessons Learned From an Intensive Writing Training Course for Applied Epidemiologists

Abstract

Although writing is a valued public health competency, authors face a multitude of barriers (eg, lack of time, lack of mentorship, lack of appropriate instruction) to publication. Few writing courses for applied public health professionals have been documented. In 2017 and 2018, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partnered to implement a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Intensive Writing Training course to improve the quality of submissions from applied epidemiologists working at health departments. The course included 3 webinars, expert mentorship from experienced authors, and a 2-day in-person session. As of April 2020, 39 epidemiologists had participated in the course. Twenty-four (62%) of the 39 epidemiologists had submitted manuscripts, 17 (71%) of which were published. The program's evaluation demonstrates the value of mentorship and peer feedback during the publishing process, the importance of case study exercises, and the need to address structural challenges (eg, competing work responsibilities or supervisor support) in the work environment.

Keywords: epidemiology; public health; workforce development; writing training.

Figure 1

Participant-reported value of in-person training components in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Intensive Writing Training course for applied epidemiologists, 2017-2018. The Intensive Writing Training course provided on-the-job scientific writing instruction and mentorship for selected applied epidemiologists working on a manuscript. The course was offered in 2017 and 2018. Each course included 3 webinars, expert mentorship from experienced authors, and a 2-day in-person session.

Figure 2

Participant confidence pre- and post-training, by learning objective, in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Intensive Writing Training course for applied epidemiologists (n = 37), 2017-2018. The Intensive Writing Training course provided on-the-job scientific writing instruction and mentorship for selected applied epidemiologists working on a manuscript. The course was offered in 2017 and 2018. Each course included 3 webinars, expert mentorship from experienced authors, and a 2-day in-person session.