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.

Awareness and knowledge of manuscript writing and research integrity: A cross sectional survey among graduate students

“…The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implemented a weekly intensive training course to enhance the quality of papers submitted by epidemiologists in the health departments. The program has shown the significance of mentorship, case study exercises, and the necessity to resolve structural challenges [ 24 ]. Such training programs are recommended in graduate studies and can have a significant impact on the writing quality of manuscripts.…”

Research Writing Readiness of Graduate Students in a Philippine State College

“…Their study investigated the influence of workshops on researchers' writing skills and capabilities and discovered that the training workshops substantially impacted the participants' knowledge. Arrazola et al (2020) found the significance of mentorship in the quality of research manuscripts of students.…”