In Officio Salutis: Serving the Underserved with the U.S. Public Health Service

“Have you heard of the U.S. Public Health Service?” This is a question I ask often in my professional life, although I already anticipate being met with a blank stare in response. I then follow up with a question that generally garners more of a reaction: “What about the Surgeon General of the United States?” A spark of recognition! Once I explain that the Surgeon General is a top leader in the U.S. Public Health Service, it is easier to describe what I do as an active duty psychologist within the organization.

During the initial training to become part of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), new officers are taught to have an “elevator speech” ready to educate others on who we are and what we do. As reflected by the title of a recent PBS documentary about the USPHS, “Invisible Corps,” many have never heard of our uniformed service, despite tracing its origins back to 1798. With its earliest roots in caring for ill and injured sailors, the U.S. Marine Hospital Service was reorganized under a central “Supervising Surgeon” (later known as Surgeon General) in 1870, and in 1889 Congress established the USPHS as a uniformed service. Now a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the mission of the USPHS is to “protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation.” Comprised of psychologists, social workers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and a host of other professionals in health-related fields, the USPHS has both similarities and unique qualities in comparison with the “sister services” of the armed forces of the United States. As a former U.S. Navy psychologist, there were many appealing aspects to the USPHS that led me to pursue a transfer to this lesser known service. 

Below I will attempt to address some of the most common questions that I hear from psychologists who are considering a career with the USPHS.

• Where do psychologists in the USPHS work?

All over! There is considerable flexibility in geographic locations USPHS psychologists can work as well as the organizations they can work in. For example, I am currently detailed to the U.S. Coast Guard. I am stationed at a Coast Guard installation and my patient population is comprised of active duty Coast Guard members. Unlike our counterparts in the armed services, USPHS psychologists have the mobility to work across a number of federal organizations during their career, including the Department of Defense, Indian Health Service, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Veterans Affairs, and many more. There have even been cases where civilians already working in a federal position have commissioned with the USPHS and returned to their same positions, now as uniformed providers. 

• Are USPHS psychologists part of the military?

While not a part of the armed forces, the USPHS is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. The rank structure is the same as that used by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. USPHS officers have prescribed uniforms to wear while on duty, and observe many customs and courtesies that would be familiar to those with prior military service. 

• What are the incentives for board certified psychologists in the USPHS?

Where do I begin? For one, the USPHS utilizes the same active duty pay scale as the other uniformed services, which increases with rank and years of service. There are also tax-free pay benefits, including a housing allowance that adjusts depending on the area that one is stationed. Free or low cost medical and dental benefits for officers and their families is another important benefit. Additionally, USPHS currently offers an annual bonus for psychologists who maintain board certification through ABPP. USPHS officers are eligible for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill educational benefits and are considered veterans after leaving the service, which gives them access to veteran-related benefits such as VA care. The USPHS is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, where federal student loans can be forgiven after 120 payments while employed full-time with certain organizations. 

• Do USPHS officers deploy?

Yes, there are opportunities to deploy with the USPHS. Officers have deployed in response to natural disasters, global public health emergencies, and as part of humanitarian missions. As with the other services, the demand for deployments can be variable. For example, during the height of COVID-19, deployment opportunities were more frequently available. 

• What are the requirements to serve as a psychologist with the USPHS?

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree from an accredited program and maintain an unrestricted U.S.-based license. There are other service obligations, such as meeting age requirements as well as medical and dental accession standards. More information can be found here. 

It has been nearly three years since my transfer to the USPHS and I continue to be so pleased with my decision to apply. The flexibility to serve in a variety of organizations and locations, while having the stability associated with an active duty career, has been a great fit for me and my family. The opportunity to bring psychological care to vulnerable and underserved populations is also incredibly fulfilling. Board certified specialists are in high demand and are valued members of the Commissioned Corps, particularly given that our skillset directly supports the current priorities of the Surgeon General. And a fun fact: the Director of the USPHS Commissioned Corps Headquarters, Rear Admiral Richard Schobitz, is also a board certified psychologist! 

If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities with the USPHS, I encourage you to visit their website. You are also welcome to contact me at rhondie.n.tait@uscg.mil.