Redefining the Role of an Epidemiologist: 2023 Revisions to the Applied Epidemiology Competencies (AECs)

Context: The Applied Epidemiology Competencies (AECs) were first created in 2008 and have not been updated since to reflect the skills and advancements of the current epidemiology workforce. Objectives: Starting in 2022, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) revised the AECs to redefine the role and responsibilities of applied epidemiologists in state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments. Design: The AECs were revised through a comprehensive literature review, input from a 17-member expert panel, and virtual town halls with applied epidemiologists in the field. Intervention: CSTE grouped the data gathered from town halls, an online assessment, and the expert panel using grounded theory to make recommendations for revisions based on common themes. The revisions were reviewed again by the expert panel prior to finalization. Results: The revised set includes integration of health equity throughout all domains, a revised tier structure, and alignment with the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals. Conclusions: These materials serve as instrumental tools for creating job descriptions, career portfolios, training plans, and other professional development tools to grow and enhance the applied epidemiology workforce.