Public Health Service Achievement Medal

Public Health Service Achievement Medal is a prestigious award given to officers of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) as well as other individuals who are assigned to USPHS units. This medal recognizes outstanding service in the field of public health and is one of the several awards that can be earned by members of the USPHS.

Criteria

The Public Health Service Achievement Medal is awarded for notable achievements in the field of public health that are of a lesser degree than those recognized by the Public Health Service Commendation Medal. The criteria for this award include significant contributions to the advancement of public health knowledge, improvements in the delivery of public health services, or notable enhancements in the operational efficiency and effectiveness of public health programs. The achievements recognized by this medal can be the result of either an individual effort or a collective team effort.

Design

The medal features a design that is symbolic of the public health field. The obverse of the medal typically displays the Caduceus, a symbol commonly associated with medicine and healthcare, superimposed over a map of the United States, indicating the nationwide impact of the recipient's contributions. The reverse of the medal usually bears an inscription acknowledging the achievement for which the medal is awarded.

Wearing

In terms of precedence, the Public Health Service Achievement Medal is worn after the Public Health Service Commendation Medal and before the Public Health Service Outstanding Unit Citation. It is worn on the uniform of USPHS officers and, when not in uniform, recipients may wear a ribbon bar representing the medal.

Notable Recipients

While specific recipients are not listed in this article, it is worth noting that the individuals who receive this medal have made significant contributions to public health that have had a positive impact on communities and the nation as a whole. Their work often involves innovative research, exceptional service delivery, or the implementation of practices that lead to improved health outcomes.

See Also

• Awards and decorations of the Public Health Service
• United States Public Health Service
• Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
• Public Health Service Commendation Medal
• Public Health Service Outstanding Unit Citation