Adventures in Healing

(NAPS) While many health care professionals have similar careers, an elite number of health experts visit and treat communities in need, respond to disasters, and help protect the nation's food supply.

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is a team of more than 6,000 well-trained, highly qualified public health professionals. They work to promote and protect the nation's health and safety by responding to large-scale health disasters and emergencies wherever and whenever they strike.

The group recently launched a recruitment effort that will hire hundreds of doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health care professionals from across the country. Here's a closer look at what a career in the Corps entails:

Making a Difference

Commissioned Corps officers provide health care to underserved communities, help prevent the spread of disease, and even help ensure that the nation's food supply, drinking water, drugs, medical devices, and environments are safe. Other assignments include:

• Conducting and supporting cutting-edge research for the prevention, treatment, and elimination of diseases, health disparities, and injuries.

• Working with other nations and international agencies to address global health challenges.

Rushing Relief

As one of the seven Uniformed Services of the United States, more than 2,400 members of the Commissioned Corps were deployed to the Gulf region before, during, and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They set up and staffed field hospitals and emergency medical clinics, treated sick and injured evacuees, conducted disease surveillance, and worked closely with local and state health authorities to plan for long-term public health needs.

Benefits

Commissioned Corps officers receive competitive compensation, including health and dental care at no cost, tax-free housing and meal allowances, 30 days of paid vacation a year, malpractice insurance coverage, and a host of other benefits.

"Serving our country is a noble calling," says retired acting Surgeon General Kenneth P. Moritsugu. "Our officers prevent and treat disease, ensure the safety of food and medicine, and restore health and hope in times of greatest need. Right now we're increasing the number of Commissioned Corps officers and restructuring the deployment process to meet those needs even better."

For more information, visit www.usphs.gov.