Corps

What is your current position?

I serve as a community and clinical dental hygienist with Indian Health Services stationed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, S.D. My position is both challenging and rewarding as I work with special populations such as diabetics and prenatal moms, and in the community with Head Start, Child Care, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) to name a few. Much of my time is spent in schools managing school sealant programs and fluoride mouth rinse. I'm involved in other activities, such as serving as a trainer and consultant for tobacco cessation activities in dental offices throughout South Dakota, as well as professional group activities within the Commissioned Corps.

Can you discuss any particularly interesting experiences you have had in your dental public health positions?

The most interesting part of my job is working with collaborative partners in projects with a common goal and the learning that comes from this. For instance, the population I serve experiences a very high rate of early childhood caries. It is imperative to form partnerships with groups that have access to children and families to address the issue from a prevention standpoint as opposed to treatment. Because of this, I've had the opportunity to participate in research projects led by academia from major universities, marketing and communication experts, and those at the grassroots level, that have helped develop culturally appropriate educational resources and served as the driving force in creating change.

What type of advice would you give to a practicing hygienist thinking of doing something different?

Public health affects your community, and it provides ample opportunities that are not always openly discussed. Volunteering for projects or civic group activities leads to networking resources. These can expand into diverse opportunities that may or may not have an oral component, but can still benefit from a dental hygienist's involvement.

1/23: HHS medical teams have seen more than 8,000 patients since they began providing patient care in Haiti. As of midnight, Jan. 22, HHS teams had performed 30 surgeries so far and delivered 8 babies. HHS and CDC, along with WHO and Haitian Health Ministry, launched a pilot study assessing public health risks in over 30 sentinel sites around the capital city. The study will be expanded as rapid assessment surveys.

1/16: The first medical teams on the ground in Haiti from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are providing technical assistance at the GHESKIO Clinic in the capital, Port-au-Prince. They will begin basic and acute medical care in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake and its aftershocks.

More than 200 HHS medical personnel arrived yesterday in the Caribbean country, and 50 additional personnel are en route. Shipments of medicine, medical equipment and supplies have also begun to arrive for use by the HHS teams. In addition, HHS disaster mortuary personnel began working today with Haitian officials to determine how the United States can assist in managing fatalities. HHS personnel also are working with local officials to assess veterinary needs.

HHS personnel also may assist the Haitian government with mental health services, disaster and public health assessments, environmental health and safety testing, and the critical reconstruction of health care infrastructure. The HHS teams of doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and other personnel are part of the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. HHS activated both organizations to assist in relief efforts in Haiti.

HHS is also helping U.S. citizens returning from Haiti. Since the earthquake, personnel from the HHS Administration for Children and Families' Office of Refugee Resettlement have assisted nearly 1,000 Americans being flown from Haiti to U.S. military bases, assessing their needs upon arrival. These needs may include medical care, short-term shelter, and transportation to their destinations in the United States.

1/15: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. More than 250 personnel are in the process of deploying to Haiti and over 12,000 personnel could possibly assist in the coming days.

“HHS medical personnel from across the country are traveling to Haiti to provide emergency medical care,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “These experts will provide medical care to the injured and will support the public health response on the ground. Additional medical personnel will be deploying to Haiti to help address the critical health issues in the aftermath of the earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are suffering from this terrible disaster.”

The medical teams include doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical and surgical physicians, and other medical personnel from Georgia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida. An International Medical Surgical Response Team will provide care for severely injured patients and five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams will provide basic medical care. These personnel will be accompanied by 22,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies.

In addition, experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist with checking the water and food supply. HHS is committed to supporting the medical and public health needs of the Haitian people. The department will continue to mobilize support staff and supplies as part of the integrated U.S. government response to the earthquake.

For the latest information, visit www.hhs.gov.

Since being commissioned, it seemed like we have had acting Surgeon Generals as often as nominated and confirmed surgeon generals. To put that thesis to the test, I used data on acting and appointed Surgeon general terms from Wikipedia. I took the dates in the table as factual, and started my analysis on the term prior to the first acting Surgeon General on the list, therefore my analysis spanned 12/18/1969 to the end term of our last acting Surgeon General on 11/2/2009. Here's the raw data table:








This analysis spans 39.3 years and over the period, the Surgeon Generals were in office 2.2 years for every year of acting Surgeons General. However, lets look at the last 20 versus the first 20 years:








The data show that in the last 20 years (1990 - 2009), Confirmed SG years to Acting SG years have decreased 41% compared to the prior 20 year period (1969 - 1990). In the first 20 year period, career Corps officers were acting SG's 34% of the time. In the second 20 year period, career Corps officers took the job 59% of the time. Although this analysis is not exact, it shows that in the recent two decade history of the Corps, career USPHS officers hold the office of SG for longer periods than in the past. This illustrates the inability of the current nomination and confirmation process to maintain the office outside the ranks of career Corps officers and provides a rationale for swift appointment of the SG among officers ready and available to serve as appointees to the position.

There is an interesting (and much needed) roll-out of a prescreen and application status portal for applicants or prospective candidates. This is a great addition (I hope) to the process because we get quite a few questions here at PHSChat from applicants and those interested in a commission. Direct applicants to this new portal, they may not be aware that it exists!


One thing about the portal; you cannot have your pop-up blocker set to "high". A lower setting is necessary to allow pop-ups to show. There are disqualifying height/weight and medical conditions unless the medical condition is mild enough for a medical limited tour for observation and reevaluation.

From the DCP website:

"In anticipation of the upcoming electronic Call to Active Duty (eCAD) rollout on January 4th, 2010 the Division of Commissioned Corps Assignments (DCCA) and the Division of Commissioned Corps Recruitment (DCCR) are updating some internal business processes to improve the overall application process. These changes are required to improve overall customer service and quality assurance as it pertains to the application process. It is anticipated that these changes will reduce initial application processing times by 2-4 weeks while ensuring the individual applicant is thoroughly informed about the Corps and the application process.

To ensure the successful implementation of these processes, we need to make sure that all interested applicants are directed to the current Website: www.usphs.gov to obtain information and instructions on how to apply to the Corps. Please be aware that applications will not be readily available to an interested applicant until he/she initiates a prescreen which is then reviewed by DCCR. It is essential that those who have been proactive in recruitment-type activities direct any future applicants to www.usphs.gov to ensure appropriate messaging and instructions.

Your help is greatly appreciated!"

My name is Freddy Garcia, koopstroops membername on PHSChat and a graduate of PHS Officer Basic Course Class #28. I am a former Navy enlistedman, turned Navy commissioned officer, turned PHS commissioned officer! So far, I am very happy with my transition into the PHS!

I recently completed my Officer Basic Course (OBC) in Landsdowne, VA. I had already been in the PHS system for a few months before one day I received an email saying I was slotted to go to OBC from 5DEC-18DEC2009. Upon arrival to Washington, D.C. there were many questions.

I arrived at the airport and did not have the slightest clue where the Shuttle to the National Conference Center (NCC) was at. I waited an hour before I decided to just catch a taxi to NCC in Landsdowne, VA (I charged this fee on my government credit card). Once there, I checked into the conference center and received a memo that I was to meet in class in a couple of hours.

In class, they divided us up into groups. We would end up being in these groups (squads) for the first week. The first 3 days, we were in black slacks and a white shirt (NO UNIFORMS). This allows those who did not have uniforms to order them from the Navy Exchange dealers who visited with us the first day. Throughout the 3 days, we started learning the PHS mission, uniform regulations, Public Health Structure, drilling, etc.

On day 4 we finally had to wear our uniforms (Khaki). On this day, we were pinned by an Admiral. This formalized the welcome into the PHS service! Training continued for the next couple of days until the weekend came around. On the weekend, they gave us liberty to go out and do the "sightseeing," so long as we were in a "buddy system." This meant you must have one other person from training with you at all times.

The following week started with more group exercise training, this time away from your squad. This would eventually set up the stage for the final day before graduation where we would be placed in a mock disaster training exercise. This mock exercise is conducted the day before graduation between 0300-0500. On graduation, we received our training certificate, training ribbon, and PHS challenge coin. Family is invited and after the ceremony, you can meet with liasions from your agency to discuss any matters or ask any questions.

Important points learned from training:

1. We were told that after our class, the required uniforms were going to change to Khaki uniform and BDU's
2. If you have a laptop, bring it to the training
3. Use your military ID to avoid baggage fee's at airport, you are active duy!If you are at the airport and you get lost, visit the United Services Organization (USO) kiosk/center for assistance and free snacks, coffee, wifi, relaxation! Be nice to these people, they are very nice volunteers!
4. During training, time is limited. Get as much sleep as possible
5. Starbucks coffee is available 24/7 at NCC for free! Utilize it!
6. The NCC layout where u are staying is very confusing. Carry a map with you
7. You have the option of doing a physical fitness test on second week. You can do this test without recording the results if you choose.
8. On the weekend of liberty, try to make a visit to Naval Hospital Bethesda where there is a Navy Exchange at. Here you can purchase the rest of your uniforms/components and other nifty items! Leave enough time to sightsee the national mall though if you have never done so!
9. Group exercises in second week are a lot of fun, practice your break dancing moves!
10. The NCC center has a bar in it "Black Olive," which features a mini cafe in the rear and all essentials @ bar
11. The gift shop is very expensive
12. There is a shopping center a couple miles away from NCC with restaurants, CVS, grocery store, Starbucks, barber shop!
13. Lastly, start your PHS networking with the people you meet at OBC. Great experiences and friends are made at this short training.

The few areas of the country that get cost of living adjustments are seeing a drop in 2010 compared to 2009. Check the attached files or from http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/cc_city.html.

New York, Staten Island, and Detroit are set to increase but most other location adjustments will drop.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service has posted the official 2010 military pay tables on its website:

http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/2010MilitaryPayTable34.pdf

The BAS for 2010 remains unchanged at $223.04. The BAH rates for 2010 are posted at this website:

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html