PHS Proud Blog

Modern U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps culture and history wouldn't be complete without hearing from this officer! RADM (ret) Scott Giberson started his U.S. Public Health Service career as a pharmacist in the Indian Health Service (IHS). He was a staunch advocate for advanced pharmacy practice. After responding to the 9/11 anthrax attacks in 2001, he was tapped to serve as senior public health advisor for U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). He eventually went on to serve as the national IHS HIV/AIDs consultant, chief pharmacy officer for USPHS, director of Commissioned Corps HQ, assistant Surgeon General, and commander of the...

Happy Veterans Day, or what was previously known as Armistice Day. It’s a day to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans. USPHS officers are considered veterans, but aren’t usually part of the armed forces. So, why are USPHS officers considered veterans? The key to this answer is in the word usually. USPHS was established as a uniformed service in 1889 and was organized according to a military model. The idea was that a mobile cadre of USPHS officers could be sent where needed to protect the nation’s health at U.S. marine hospitals, quarantine stations, and immigrant stations. But...

  RADM Michael Toedt is a former assistant surgeon general of the U.S. Public Health Service and chief medical officer of the Indian Health Service. He attended the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and led the COVID-19 response for the Indian Health Service. There is a lot more in between! In our conversation we discuss: 0:00-10:59- introduction, summer whites story, and summary of RADM Toedt's career 11:00-13:38- intro to Toedt Health Solutions 13:39-25:29- describing USUHS and USPHS, how Michael joined the Corps, training to be an officer in USUHS vs present day 25:30-30:49- USPHS uniform culture 30:50-35:59- Michael's hospital...

PHS Proud's fundraiser with Little Colorado Commissioned Officers Association for the Naomi House was a success! Thanks to all the U.S. Public Health Service officers and supporters of USPHS for participating in this fundraiser. We were able to raise a significant amount of money for NAOMI House. For this fundraiser we sold long sleeve tee shirts with the U.S. Public Health Service anchor and caduceus with USPHS lettering with dates and stars. The USPHS long sleeves came in in navy and heather gray colors. PHS Proud is excited and grateful to collaborate with local commissioned officers associations. Thanks again to...