United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS or PHSCC) is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States and represents the federal uniformed service of the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS). Its central mission involves safeguarding, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the general public.

Mission and Role[edit | edit source]

The PHSCC is a specialized service branch primarily tasked with the protection, promotion, and advancement of public health and safety. It serves on the frontline in the nation's fight against disease, disaster, and bioterrorism. Commissioned Corps officers work in a variety of locations and settings - ranging from federal agencies to hospitals and clinics, to underserved communities.[1]

Structure and Organization[edit | edit source]

The PHSCC is under the command of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Surgeon General of the United States acts as the operational head. The Corps is divided into 11 professional categories, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and engineers, among others.[2]

Training and Education[edit | edit source]

Officers in the PHSCC undergo rigorous training in their respective fields. In addition, they receive specialized training in disaster response, disease prevention, and health promotion. This broad-based and comprehensive training enables them to be effective in their mission of public health promotion and disease prevention.

History[edit | edit source]

Established in 1889, the PHSCC has a rich history of responding to public health crises, including pandemics, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Over time, it has grown in size and scope, playing a pivotal role in significant health milestones in the United States.[3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "What is the Commissioned Corps?". U.S. Public Health Service. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  2. "About the Commissioned Corps". U.S. Public Health Service. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  3. "History". U.S. Public Health Service. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Resources
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