United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

Federal uniformed service of the U.S. Public Health Service

The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) is a federal uniformed service of the United States Public Health Service (PHS), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The PHSCC is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States and is led by the Surgeon General of the United States.

History

The origins of the PHSCC date back to the establishment of the Marine Hospital Service in 1798, which was created to provide health care to sick and injured merchant seamen. Over time, the service expanded its mission and scope, eventually becoming the Public Health Service in 1912. The Commissioned Corps was formally established in 1889, providing a cadre of health professionals to respond to public health needs.

Mission

The mission of the PHSCC is to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation. Officers in the Corps are involved in a wide range of public health activities, including disease control and prevention, biomedical research, regulation of food and drugs, mental health and substance abuse services, and health care delivery.

Organization

The PHSCC is led by the Surgeon General of the United States, who is appointed by the President of the United States. The Corps is composed of over 6,000 commissioned officers who serve in various roles across the federal government, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Ranks and Insignia

The PHSCC uses the same rank structure as the United States Navy, with ranks ranging from Ensign (O-1) to Admiral (O-10). Officers wear uniforms similar to those of the Navy, with distinct insignia and devices that identify them as members of the PHSCC.

Uniforms

Officers of the PHSCC wear a variety of uniforms depending on their duties and the occasion. These include the service dress blues, summer whites, and summer khakis. The uniforms are similar in style to those of the Navy but include unique insignia and devices.

Deployments

The PHSCC is often deployed in response to public health emergencies, both domestically and internationally. Officers have been involved in responses to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other public health crises. Notable deployments include the response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related pages

• Surgeon General of the United States
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

References

• "Doctrine for the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, January 2021." [PDF document].
• "A Day in the Life of LCDR Abigail - USPHS Commissioned Corps Mascot." [Webm video].
• "U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Ready Reserve Video." [Webm video].

Gallery

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  Seal of the USPHS Commissioned Corps

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  Presidential Unit Citation

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  Cap device

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  Collar device

• Lapel pin

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  Flag of the Assistant Secretary for Health

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  Flag of the Surgeon General

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  Flag of the Deputy Surgeon General

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  Flag of a 2-Star Assistant Surgeon General

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  Flag of a 1-Star Assistant Surgeon General

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  Service dress blues

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  Summer whites

• Summer khakis

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  Operation United Assistance 2014