Strengthening Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Skills: Q&A with Ericka McGowan

July 16, 2025 | Amelia Poulin

Effective infectious disease response depends on a prepared and skilled workforce that can adapt to rapidly evolving threats. Courses like ASTHO’s Foundations in Case Investigation and Contact Tracing (CI/CT) are a critical part of building that capacity.

Ericka McGowan, senior director for Emerging Infectious Disease at ASTHO, shares how the Foundations in CI/CT training helped deepen her understanding of outbreak response strategies and how these skills remain essential in today’s public health landscape.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to take the Foundations in CI/CT course?

I have a strong background in public health program management and infectious disease, having spent years working in roles that involve collaboration, communication, and process improvement. My experience working with various stakeholders in infectious disease, emergency preparedness, outbreak response, and immunizations has reinforced my interest in ensuring effective public health interventions.

I was inspired to take the Foundations in CI/CT course to expand my skill set in infectious disease response, enhance my knowledge of outbreak management, and explore new opportunities within public health.

How has the course enhanced your understanding of CI/CT, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases?

This course provides a deeper understanding of the step-by-step processes involved in CI/CT and their role in controlling infectious diseases. I gained insight into the importance of timely and effective communication, data collection, and ethical considerations in working with affected individuals. The training also emphasized the adaptability and flexibility required when responding to emerging infectious diseases, where protocols and best practices must evolve quickly to match the nature of new outbreaks.

In your opinion, how critical are CI/CT to managing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks?

CI/CT staff are critical for early detection and containment of infectious disease outbreaks. They help interrupt chains of transmission by identifying and notifying individuals at risk, thereby reducing the spread of illness in communities. These methods are especially vital in settings where rapid intervention can prevent wider public health crises, and they remain foundational to effective disease control strategies at local, state, and national levels.

What advice would you give to others considering taking this course or pursuing a career in CI/CT?

I would encourage anyone interested in public health, epidemiology, or disease prevention to take this course. It provides practical knowledge that applies to various health crises and prepares individuals to make a meaningful impact during outbreaks.

For those considering a career in CI/CT, I’d emphasize the importance of strong communication skills, cultural competence, and adaptability, as these roles require building trust and working with diverse populations under potentially stressful conditions.

Additionally, this course is an excellent opportunity for people who care about their community and want to support state and local public health efforts. Contact investigation and tracing play a crucial role in protecting public health, and individuals who are passionate about helping others, reducing health disparities, and preventing disease spread will find this work both rewarding and impactful.

Conclusion

Ericka’s reflections emphasize that CI/CT is more than a technical function — it’s a core public health strategy grounded in trust, communication, and swift action. Her experience demonstrates how foundational training can sharpen skill sets, expand leadership potential, and prepare professionals to respond effectively to both current and future public health challenges. Importantly, the competencies developed through the Foundations in CI/CT course (e.g., interviewing, cultural humility, data collection, and ethical decision-making) are highly transferable across a range of public health roles and emergencies. As we continue to build a flexible and future-ready public health workforce, trainings like this serve as an essential investment in both individual growth and system-wide preparedness.

Interested in building your CI/CT capacity to shape the future of public health? Begin the Foundations in CI/CT training today.