1. United States Public Health Service
“Protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety
of the Nation”

2. Who are We? U.S. Public Health Service:
Highly-trained and mobile health professionals
The nation’s foremost health service
A principle component of the Department of Health and Human Services
One of the Seven Uniformed Services

3. Seven Uniformed Services of the U.S.

4. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

5. USPHS Part of the Department of Health and Human Services
Led by the Surgeon General
Dual Personnel System
60,000 employees total
> 6,000 Commissioned Corps Officers & growing
Secretary Tommy Thompson
Surgeon General - Richard Carmona

6. RADM Boris Lushniak, MD, MPH
Acting Surgeon General of the United States 6

7. RADM Scott Giberson, RPh, MPH
Acting Deputy Surgeon General of the United States

8. Mission To protect, promote, and advance the
health and safety of the Nation through:
rapid and effective response to public health needs
leadership and excellence in public health practices
advancement of public health science

9. Our Origins
1798 Creation of PHS to provide for care and relief of sick and injured merchant seaman
1870 Reorganization to create a Marine Hospital Service
1889 Formalized by Congress as the Commissioned Corps
1912 Renamed Public Health Service because of broadening responsibilities
1939 Became part of the Federal Security Agency
1980 Became part of the Department of Health and Human Services
Created in 1798, as Marine Hospital Service
Reorganized in 1870 along military lines
Established officially along military lines by Congress in 1889, with rank and pay similar to Navy
Renamed PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE in 1912
After 141 years in the Treasury Department, PHS became part of the Federal Security Agency in 1939.
This agency later became the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and in 1980 the Department of Health and Human Services

10. PHS Seal Fouled Anchor = seaman in distress
Caduceus (winged wand with 2 serpents intertwined)
Associated with the Greek god Mercury, used to symbolize trade or commerce (hence, PHS’ relationship with merchant seaman and maritime industry)

11. PHS Flag
Evolved out of the quarantine flag used by the Service on quarantine vessels and stations
Blue and yellow colors of the PHS represent its roots in maritime and quarantine activities

12. Where are we located?
Almost anywhere and everywhere in the United States
Whether you prefer urban or rural, east, west, north, or south - we have a location for you

13. Duty Locations Coast to Coast
Arizona
Washington
Washington DC
New Mexico
South Dakota

14. Where do PHS Pharmacists Work?
Indian Health Service (IHS)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

15. Where do PHS Pharmacists Work?
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Department of Defense Tricare Management Activity (DOD TMA)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Program Support Center (PSC)
Office of the Secretary (OS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

16. Indian Health Service
IHS Mission: To raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives
IHS Serves 2 million people from 565 Federally recognized tribes and their descendants
Provides comprehensive healthcare services including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and environmental
Most IHS facilities are west of the Mississippi River
Northern Plains States
Southwest
Pacific Northwest
Alaska
The goal of the IHS is to ensure that comprehensive, culturally acceptable personal and public health services are available and accessible to all American Indian and Alaska Native people.

17. U.S. Coast Guard http://www.uscg.mil
Component of the Department of Homeland Security
One of the seven Uniformed Services, and is the smallest of the five armed services
Headquarters in Washington, DC
Opportunities throughout the US
New Jersey Massachusetts
Washington North Carolina
Florida Connecticut
Alabama Washington DC
California Virginia
Alaska
The United States Coast Guard is this nation's oldest and its premier maritime agency. Its headquarters are located in Washington, DC.
The Public Health Service is charged with the responsibility to provide health care to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. Various Coast Guard units are located throughout the United States. Some of these include:
New Jersey, New York, Florida, New Orleans, California, Alaska and Puerto Rico

18. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of:
Human and veterinary drugs
Biological products
Medical devices
National food supply
Cosmetics
Products that emit radiation
FDA regulates $1 trillion worth of products a year.
It assures the safety of all food except for meat, poultry and some egg products; ensures the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biological products (including blood, vaccines, and tissues for transplantation), medical devices, and animal drugs and feed; and makes sure that cosmetics and medical and consumer products that emit radiation do no harm.

19. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA regulates manufacturing, marketing and distribution of tobacco products
FDA monitors the manufacture, import, transport, storage, and sale of about $1 trillion worth of products each year

20. Federal Bureau of Prisons
The health care mission of the BOP:
To deliver medically necessary health care to inmates effectively in accordance with proven standards of care without compromising public safety concerns inherent to the Bureau’s overall mission.
Operates a system of Federal penitentiaries across the country
Settings range from small infirmaries to 500 bed tertiary care hospitals
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is the agency of the Department of Justice responsible for incarcerating federal felons. The BOP currently has 100 facilities in 40 states, with several more institutions under construction.
Operates a system of Federal penitentiaries across the country
Settings range from small infirmaries to 500 bed tertiary care hospitals
Locations
Near major metropolitan areas such as San Diego and Chicago
Rural areas e.g. Olympic Compound at Lake Placid, NY. One of the most modern facilities is located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

21. Federal Bureau of Prisons
Inmates are designated a level of care according to their overall health
Care Level (CL) I – Healthy or simple chronic care
CL II – Stable, chronic care
CL III – Unstable, complex chronic care
CL IV – Medical Center, often requires daily nursing care
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is the agency of the Department of Justice responsible for incarcerating federal felons. The BOP currently has 100 facilities in 40 states, with several more institutions under construction.
Operates a system of Federal penitentiaries across the country
Settings range from small infirmaries to 500 bed tertiary care hospitals
Locations
Near major metropolitan areas such as San Diego and Chicago
Rural areas e.g. Olympic Compound at Lake Placid, NY. One of the most modern facilities is located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

22. National Institutes of Health
Mission: to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability
The NIH mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. NIH works toward that mission by:
conducting research in its own laboratories;
supporting the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad;
helping in the training of research investigators; and
fostering communication of medical information.
NIH is one of the agencies of the Public Health Services which, in turn, is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Comprised of 27 separate components, mainly Institutes and Centers, NIH has in excess of 75 buildings on more than 300 acres in Bethesda, Maryland. From a total of about $300 in 1887, NIH has been appropriated nearly $23.4 billion for 2002.

23. National Institutes of Health
Federal focal point for medical research in the U.S.
More than 80% of NIH’s budget goes to over 3,000 universities and research institutions.
The NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD is the largest hospital in the world totally dedicated to clinical research.
The NIH mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. NIH works toward that mission by:
conducting research in its own laboratories;
supporting the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad;
helping in the training of research investigators; and
fostering communication of medical information.
NIH is one of the agencies of the Public Health Services which, in turn, is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Comprised of 27 separate components, mainly Institutes and Centers, NIH has in excess of 75 buildings on more than 300 acres in Bethesda, Maryland. From a total of about $300 in 1887, NIH has been appropriated nearly $23.4 billion for 2002.

24. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC employs more than 15,000 employees, in more than 50 countries and in 168 occupational categories
Primary function is to conduct and support public health activities in the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people - at home and abroad, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships. CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.In FY 2000, the workforce of CDC comprised approximately 8,500 FTE in 170 disciplines with a public health focus. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with Occupational Safety and Health research centers in Cincinnati, OH and Morgantown, WV, the CDC conducts epidemiological research and surveillance throughout the world. Areas of study include chronic and infectious diseases, occupational health and safety, health promotion and disease prevention, international health, health statistics, and environmental health.
CDC’s: Conducts epidemiological research and surveillance throughout the worldEmploys researchers and scientists who conduct research on disease, serve on multi-disciplinary epidemic response teams, and provide assistance in domestic or international crises
Sponsors scientists conducting field research and assigns staff to state and local health departments

25. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC works in conjunction with local, state, and national partners to improve the public’s health, with particular focus on:
Providing support to local and state health departments
Improving global health
Decreasing leading causes of death
Strengthening surveillance and epidemiology
Reforming health policies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people - at home and abroad, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships. CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.In FY 2000, the workforce of CDC comprised approximately 8,500 FTE in 170 disciplines with a public health focus. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with Occupational Safety and Health research centers in Cincinnati, OH and Morgantown, WV, the CDC conducts epidemiological research and surveillance throughout the world. Areas of study include chronic and infectious diseases, occupational health and safety, health promotion and disease prevention, international health, health statistics, and environmental health.
CDC’s: Conducts epidemiological research and surveillance throughout the worldEmploys researchers and scientists who conduct research on disease, serve on multi-disciplinary epidemic response teams, and provide assistance in domestic or international crises
Sponsors scientists conducting field research and assigns staff to state and local health departments

26. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Mission – to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities 
SAMHSA includes four centers
Center for Mental Health Services
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
Centers work with and support States, Territories, Tribes, communities, and local organizations to accomplish the mission through 8 strategic initiatives
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was recently established in October, 1992 to strengthen the Nation's health care delivery system for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was established in October 1992 to strengthen the Nation's health care capacity to provide prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for substance abuse and mental illnesses.
SAMHSA works in partnership with States, communities and private organizations to address the needs of people with substance abuse and mental illnesses as well as the community risk factors that contribute to these illnesses.
SAMHSA serves as the umbrella under which substance abuse and mental health service Centers are housed, including: the Center for Mental Health Services, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

27. Health Resources and Services Administration
Mission: To improve health and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative programs
Vision: Healthy Communities, Healthy People
Goals:
Improve access to quality care and services
Strengthen the health workforce
Build healthy communities
Improve health equity
6 bureaus, 13 offices and 1,860 people improving health care for the uninsured, people living with HIV, pregnant women, mothers, and children
The mission of the Health Resources and Services Administration is to improve and expand access to quality health care for all.
Their goal is moving toward 100 percent access to healthcare and 0 health disparities for all Americans.
HRSA assures the availability of quality health care to low income, uninsured, isolated, vulnerable and special needs populations and meets their unique health care needs.

28. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps
Oversees lawful immigration to the United States
Core Values include Integrity, Respect, Ingenuity, and Vigilance
Headquartered in D.C. with opportunities throughout the US and territories, including:
New York
Florida
Texas
Arizona
California
Puerto Rico
The Division's relationship with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) dates back to 1891 when the Immigration Act authorized the Public Health Service to examine and quarantine aliens at Ellis Island. Since 1985, the INS Detention and Deportation (D&D) Program has had an interagency agreement with the Public Health Service to provide health care personnel to staff the INS Service Processing Center Medical Facilities, and other measures of health care support.
INS Headquarters are located in Washington, DC. In addition, there are numerous sites throughout the United States including, New York, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and Puerto Rico.

29. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Mission: to assure health care security for beneficiaries
Vision: to open our programs to full partnership with the entire health community to improve quality and efficiency in an evolving health care system.
Goals:
To provide access to quality care
To provide services to beneficiaries
To provide program administration to run CMS programs

30. Sample Pharmacist Billets
FDA: CDER/OSE Safety Evaluator
Reviewing and evaluating pre-market proposed
proprietary drug and biological names and product
characteristics to determine the likelihood of confusion with existing products in the marketplace
Reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating the medication error reports for pre-market and post-market drug and biological products which are submitted to the FDA or cited in the scientific literature
Serving as a scientific advisor on adverse reactions associated with drug and biological products and on the safety of drug and biological products within FDA

31. Sample Pharmacist Billets
IHS: Assistant Chief Pharmacist (Inpatient)
Serving as a Clinical Pharmacist for the ICU & Residency
Program Director at the Indian Health Service Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC)
Directing and coordinating clinical and distributive
pharmacy services at this 110-bed facility
Providing pharmacotherapy services and distributive pharmacy services for ICU patients
Developing and implementing medication use policies
Developing and coordinating the ASHP accredited Pharmacy Practice Residency Program at PIMC
Active member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics
Committee

32. Sample Pharmacist Billets
HRSA: Branch Chief for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
Leading a team responsible for monitoring established
ADAPs to improve health care for individuals and families affected by HIV
Establishing ADAP priorities to respond to issues that impact planning and delivery of HIV care services
Developing strategies for delivering care for HIV/AIDS
Guiding grantees to use the most cost-effective methods to purchase medications

33. Sample Pharmacist Billets
HRSA: Branch Chief for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
Assisting grantees in making formulary decisions
Preparing budget forecasting reports
Developing on-site program reviews of compliance with ADAP mandates and regulations
Addressing medication distribution strategies in resource-poor countries

34. Sample Pharmacist Billets
NIH: Head of the Protocol and Information Office
Coordination of the administrative portion of the
development and implementation of oncology
clinical trials to assure patient safety
Optimization of scientific objectives, regulatory
compliance, and efficient use of resources
Acting as a project manager to develop software to improve
the efficiency of oncology clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by leveraging technology

35. Sample Pharmacist Billets
Learn more about pharmacist roles at:
Pharmacists Learning
and Networking Together (PLANT)

36. Why did I choose to be a PHS Pharmacist?

37. Why did I choose to be a PHS Pharmacist?
Quality of practice
Opportunities for professional growth

38. Quality of Practice
Pharmacy Practice wherein you are included in the decision process with other professionals, helping to manage treatment, utilizing the patient's medical record, and counseling every patient about their drug therapy
Pharmacy Practice settings where you and other providers sit down as a team and talk about your patient's drug therapy

39. Opportunities for Professional Growth
Different agencies/programs
Benefits accompany officers when transferring agencies/programs
opportunity to work in diverse geographical locations and for different agencies/programs
Benefits accompany officers when transferring agencies/programs

40. Opportunities for Professional Growth
National and International Impact
Emergency Preparedness
USPHS Commissioned Corps: America’s Health Responders

41. Office of Force Readiness and Deployment (OFRD)
OFRD coordinates the deployment of USPHS Officers in response to:
National Emergencies
Public Health Emergencies
Urgent Public Needs
National Special Security Events

42. OFRD Pharmacist Opportunities
Special Needs Shelters
General Shelter Clinics
Mobile Medical Clinics/Pharmacies
Top picture: LCDR Mark Roth administers a vaccine to a shelter resident in Farmerville, LA. Hepatitis A, Flu, and Tetanus/diptheria shots were offered to all evacuees and shelter personnel. Children behind on vaccine schedules were also offered DTaP, MMR, Hib, Hepatitis B, and Prevnar. Evacuees in need of other immunizations were asked to report to the nearest Parish Health Department.
Bottom picture: This mobile medical clinic was set up in a parking lot on Rampart Road in New Orleans. Tents and tables in the parking lot served as nursing stations. Patients that needed to be examined privately were taken into the bus. In this picture, CDR Beth Fritsch (Pharmacist) is counseling an evacuee outside of the makeshift mobile pharmacy we set up inside of a bus. Many of the evacuees at this site were Spanish speaking.

43. OFRD Pharmacist Opportunities
Vaccination Teams
Temporary Hospitals
Top picture: LCDR Mark Roth administers a vaccine to a shelter resident in Farmerville, LA. Hepatitis A, Flu, and Tetanus/diptheria shots were offered to all evacuees and shelter personnel. Children behind on vaccine schedules were also offered DTaP, MMR, Hib, Hepatitis B, and Prevnar. Evacuees in need of other immunizations were asked to report to the nearest Parish Health Department.
Bottom picture: This mobile medical clinic was set up in a parking lot on Rampart Road in New Orleans. Tents and tables in the parking lot served as nursing stations. Patients that needed to be examined privately were taken into the bus. In this picture, CDR Beth Fritsch (Pharmacist) is counseling an evacuee outside of the makeshift mobile pharmacy we set up inside of a bus. Many of the evacuees at this site were Spanish speaking.

44. OFRD Pharmacist Opportunities
Pharmacist assistance at disaster stricken hospitals
Assisting foreign Ministry of Health departments to establish health care systems:
Thailand (2005)
Iraq (2004)
Haiti (2004)

45. OFRD Pharmacist Opportunities
Incident Regional Coordination Team (IRCT)
Operations, Planning, and Logistics
Team Leaders and Incident Commanders
Public Health Assessment and Inspection Teams
Liaisons
State Emergency Operations Center
Homeland Security incident Management Group
Top picture: November 2005 at the Secretaries Emergency Response Team in Baton Rouge, LA. Two pharmacists working together at the SERT. CDR Mark McClain (FDA Pharmacist, in BDU) was the Chief Pharmacist at Camp Phoenix in November 2005 and was responsible for directing pharmacy operations in the field. LCDR David Axt (IHS Pharmacist seated in the center looking at CDR McClain) worked at the SERT in logistics to help coordinate personnel movement and materials acquisition. Pharmacists had many roles working with pharmacists and other personnel. Also working in SERT logistics are LCDR Chris Buchanan (Environmental Officer, center foreground with his back to the camera), LT Darin Wiegers (Physician Assistant, far right of picture), and CAPT Palmer Orlandi (Scientist, behind LT Wiegers).
Bottom picture: This picture was taken at the Lake Charles Clinic (see a previous slide for explanation). Team Leader LCDR Jeff Newman is going over the numbers for the day with his team. All teams had to report to Central Command how many patients were being seen, types of illnesses, and a report on medication supply and restock needed.

46. OFRD - Make a Difference
Hurricanes – September 2004
World Trade Center Attacks – Sept 2001
Deployments to provide disaster and/or emergency assistance

47. National Special Security Events
Officers have deployed to provide assistance during the President’s Inauguration.

48. Foreign Humanitarian Missions
USPHS Officers deploy aboard US Navy ships in support of annual humanitarian assistance operations providing medical care to foreign nations.

49. Foreign Humanitarian Missions
Nigeria – September 2010
USNS Comfort Cruise – Sept 2009
Deployments to provide disaster and/or emergency assistance

50. Domestic Humanitarian Missions
USPHS partners with Non-profit Groups to provide free medical care to the underserved populations within the United States.

51. Disaster Relief Missions
USPHS Officers deployed after the Haitian Earthquake in support of relief efforts.
Nearly 400 USPHS Pharmacists assisted with relief efforts for Hurricanes Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

52. OFRD Helping those in need
As an Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, domestically and internationally

53. OFRD Helping those in need
As part of something larger than yourself, you have unique opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives.

54. OFRD – 3 tiered deployment response team:
Tier One: Five Rapid Deployment Force teams and ten Incident Regional Coordination Teams
expected to report to a point of departure within 12 hours of notification
Tier Two: Five Applied Public Health Teams and five
Mental Health teams
expected to report to a point of departure within 36 hours of notification
Tier Three: Every other active duty officer in the Commissioned Corps
expected to report to a point of departure within 72 hours of notification
deployment on a regular basis, either to augment Tier 1 or Tier 2 teams, or to provide specific requested skills when required

55. Quality of Life 30 days of annual leave
may carry over 60 days per year plus 10 federal holidays
Sick leave as medically necessary

56. Quality of Life Diverse geographical locations
Our organization allows you to pursue life in literally hundreds of locations - near the ocean, the mountains, the Grand Canyon, the Gulf Coast, or National Parks - from the largest cities to the smallest communities.
Diverse geographical locations

57. Quality of Life
Be prepared to enjoy a camaraderie and sense of common purpose unlike anything you have yet experienced.
A team of United States Public Health Officers taking part in a training course. All response team members must complete training modules on various aspects of disaster response. Basic courses are offered on-line and some more advanced courses offer on-site training opportunities. Several different professions make up response teams and training opportunities such as this emphasize the teamwork needed during relief efforts.

58. Privileges Moving expenses are paid by the government
Commissioned officers qualify for the G.I. Bill to supplement additional educational pursuits
Officers may also qualify for housing loans through the Department of Veterans Affairs

59. Compensation Taxable Non-Taxable Base Pay Pharmacy Accession Bonus
- Requires Contract of Service
Pharmacy Special Pay
Non-Taxable
Housing Allowance
Subsistence

60. Compensation Pharmacy Special Pay ($15,000 per year)
Board Certification Pay

61. Compensation Recent Graduates:
The USPHS gives you an entire YEAR from your date of graduation to become licensed.
In the meantime, you get FULLY PAID as a pharmacist

62. Retirement After 20 years of active service:
retired pay = 50% of average base pay during past 36 months
Non-contributory retirement based on
20-30 year career
For each additional year of service:
retired pay multiplier increases by 2.5%

63. Insurance
No-cost healthcare at Uniformed Services facilities (for you and your dependents)
No payroll deduction
No deductibles or copays
Medical benefits are available to you and your dependents with no payroll deduction, deductibles or co-pays for covered medical benefits if living within the catchment area of a military medical facility.

64. Insurance
Malpractice insurance is not necessary when practicing in a federal facility
coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act

65. More Privileges Access to Department of Defense benefits:
Military bases
Officer’s clubs
Exchanges
Guest housing
Commissaries
Space-Available travel

66. Eligibility Criteria U.S. citizenship Less than 44 years of age
Graduate of an accredited College or University in United States
Less than 8 years of active duty in another uniformed service
(waivers may be considered for hard to fill
and isolated hardship sites )
Good health

67. How to Get Started? Visit http://www.usphs.gov
For recruitment or application questions or information, please contact us through our online form, Facebook page, or at the number below.
Visit
Fill out an online application
Pursue employment with any of the Commissioned Corps affiliated Agencies
(recommended site)
(alternate)
Dual Process - Differs from other uniformed services. PHS grants Commissioned Officer status whereas the Agency offers the employment
It is recommended that application to the Corps and job search with the agencies should be conducted simultaneously
Once offer to hire is made by the Agency, Division of Commissioned Personnel (DCP) would coordinate a “Call to Active Duty” date and issue personnel orders.

68. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (COSTEP)
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps offers two excellent opportunities for pharmacy students throughout the academic year:
The Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP) and the Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (SRCOSTEP).
Because both programs are highly competitive, it is recommended that students apply early.

69. JR COSTEP Program Serve for periods ranging from 31 to 120 days
No obligation to serve in the Commissioned Corps after graduation
Credit given for JRCOSTEP time for pay and retirement purposes
The JRCOSTEP program allows students to gain valuable professional experience with the Public Health Service early in their college education.
Students serve in assignments throughout the country during their official school breaks for periods ranging from 31 to 120 days.
Most students are hired for the summer months (June – August).
Upon completing his/her professional education, the student may serve an extended active duty assignment with any of the agencies and/or programs that hire CC officers.
Those students who go on to a career in the CC are credited for their JRCOSTEP time for pay and retirement purposes.
JRCOSTEPS do not have an obligation to serve in the Commissioned Corps after graduation.

70. SR COSTEP Program
Assists students financially during their final academic year in return for an agreement to work for the PHS Commissioned Corps after graduation for twice the time sponsored
Assigned to the sponsoring agency upon graduation
The SRCOSTEP program is designed to assist students financially during their final academic year of their qualifying degree in return for an agreement to work for the PHS Commissioned Corps after graduation for twice the time sponsored (i.e., an 18-month employment commitment for 9 months of financial support).
Upon graduation, assignments are made to the sponsoring agency/program that provided the financial support.

71. COSTEP Benefits Basic pay (taxable) Allowances (non-taxable)
Ensign (pay grade O-1) officer
Allowances (non-taxable)
Housing Allowance
Subsistence
Prior service in a Uniformed Service will count towards years of service for pay
Combining basic pay and allowances, a COSTEP can expect to earn approximately $2500 per month.
In addition, a COSTEP will also be given certain costs of travel and transportation from the place from which called to active duty to the duty station and return.

72. Application Acceptance Dates
Junior COSTEP & Senior COSTEP
Online application
Check website for open registration dates

73. Student Internships Food and Drug Administration Bureau of Prisons
Bureau of Prisons

74. Post-Graduate Opportunities
Indian Health Service Residencies
Bureau of Prisons Residencies
NIH Clinical Center Pharmacy Department
Ambulatory Fellowship (2 years)
Pharmacokinetics Fellowship (2 slots)
Oncology Specialty Residency

75. Ask any USPHS Pharmacist what we think of our career, and we will tell you that we made the right choice!
You can, too!

76. PHS Hall of Fame CAPT Bill Boyce RADM Fred Paavola CAPT Jerry Phillips
Oregon State University Director
CAPT Jerry Phillips
Drug Safety Institute
RADM Jerry Halperin
Food, Drug, and Law Institute, President and CEO
Lucinda Maine
Executive VP of AACP
RADM Fred Paavola
Commander of AZ-1 DMAT
CAPT James Minor
Gilead Pharmaceuticals
CAPT Gordon Johnston
VP Regulatory Affairs at GPhA
RADM Richard Bertin
Executive Director of the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties
Rear Admiral (Ret.) Fred G. Paavola held numerous leadership positions throughout his career. His career culminated when he was appointed as the Chief Pharmacist Officer and Assistant Surgeon General for the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) on June 1, He also held collateral duties as Chief of Peer Review during this time. He retired with over 30 years of service. He currently serves as the Commander of Arizona One Disaster Medical Assistance Team and is a member of Region IX National Pharmacist Response Team and the Pharmacy Task Force Metropolitan Medical Response System. He is also the Officials Coordinator for Arizona Swimming.
CAPT Jim Minor (Ret.) currently works in Medical Communications at Gilead Sciences. He was a Clinical Pharmacist for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural AIDS Research Program from He has had 7 years of experience in Pharma Industry. He has worked in the Commercial Analysis Division of GlaxoSmithKline where he was the Manager of Competitive Intelligence in support of HIV and sepsis product areas. Dr. Minor is well published in primary pharmaceutical and medical literature in allergy, immunology and infectious diseases
Rear Admiral (Ret.) Richard Bertin is Executive Director of the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS). He has held this position since February 1997, when he retired from the United States Public Health Service after a long career in a variety of clinical and administrative positions. While in the Public Health Service, he served as Chief Professional Officer (as an Assistant Surgeon General at the grade of Rear Admiral) as well as in the National Institute of Mental Health, the Bureau of Medical Services, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Office of the Surgeon General, and the Food and Drug Administration. His responsibilities ranged from clinical pharmacy practice to advising the Surgeon General, the
Assistant Secretary for Health, and other Federal and non-Federal leaders on national pharmacy issues. As the Board’s first Executive Director, RADM Bertin is responsible for the overall management and growth of the BPS specialty certification program. In his present position, he works with several national membership organizations and educational institutions on a wide variety of credentialing activities across the pharmacy profession.
Gordon Johnston is Vice President of Regulatory Affairs of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association. In this role, he serves as the primary industry spokesperson on regulatory matters that impact the generic drug industry. Johnston has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, beginning with the U.S. Public Health Service, where he served in a number of pharmacist and health care management positions. In 1987, he was assigned to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and in 1994, was promoted to be Deputy Director of the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs (OGD). Johnston was a key member of the FDA team that developed and put into practice the regulations implementing the Hatch-Waxman amendments.
Former CAPT Bill Boyce joined Oregon State University (OSU) in 1998 as the Director of Pharmacy Services, OSU Student Health Services, after 21 years of clinical pharmacy practice with the Indian Health Service (IHS). During his time with the IHS, Bill was recognized for outstanding accomplishments. He received United States Public Health Service Surgeon General Exemplary Service Medal in 1992, ASHP Fellow in 1994, and the RHO CHI Society Julius W. Sturmer Memorial Lecture Award from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science Award in Bill was the developer of the Pharmacist-Patient Consultation Program which was supported by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
At OSU, Bill represents the College of Pharmacy on the following committees: Leadership Team at Student Health Services; Academic & Professional Standards Committee, College of Pharmacy; and Human Subjects Committee.
CAPT Jerry Phillips was Associate Director in FDA’s Office of Drug Safety, and is now working at the Drug Safety Institute, impacting public health by minimizing medication errors.
RADM Jerry Halperin is currently working at the Food Drug and Law Institute, and was the former Executive director for USP after leaving FDA.
Lucinda L. Maine, Ph.D., is the American Associations of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Executive Vice President.
She is also a former Junior CoSTEP.

77. QUESTIONS? or
Revised 1/27/2014