Careers

Description:

A research opportunity is available with the Division of Injury Prevention (DIP), within the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in people aged 65 and older and they can lead to significant medical costs, injuries, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. As evidenced by a recent CDC report, more than one in four older adults in the United States reported falling, totaling nearly 36 million falls in 2018. More than eight million of these falls require emergency department care. Further, about 32,000 older Americans who die as a result of these falls. Falls and fall injuries are increasing the U.S. and associated annual medical expenses are about $50 billion. These costs will only continue to surge given the aging of the U.S. population. The participant will collaborate with a team to support DIPs effort to help older adults age without injury. Specifically, the participant will support efforts to enhance surveillance, research, and program implementation related to the review and management of modifiable fall risk factors. Specifically, the participant may be involved with the Safety Promotion team on the following tasks:

• Participate with the Team in developing a business case for evidence-based clinical fall prevention activities.
• Analyze data and evaluate strategies to reduce hospital readmissions due to falls.
• Provide technical support for health system implementation, use, and evaluation of falls prevention activities.
• Pursue opportunities to educate and incentivize clinicians and health systems for integrating fall prevention.
• Participate in analyzing, interpreting, and publishing a report on fatal and non-fatal injury data to estimate the overall health and economic impact of falls and other injuries.
• Review and report on the health and economic burden related to unintentional injuries that impact adults as they age. As well as describe the availability of evidence-based interventions.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2021

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.