The U.S. Public Health Service has a long, proud history dating back more than 200 years.  From the earliest days of caring for merchant seamen, through performing critical medical assessments of immigrants entering the country through Ellis Island, to supporting today’s wide-ranging public health initiatives, Commissioned Corps officers have dedicated their talents and skills to protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the Nation.

Following the events of 9/11 and the anthrax attacks of 2001, then-Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson ordered that the Corps be enhanced to respond more effectively to disasters, both natural and manmade.  His successor, Secretary Michael Leavitt, oversaw the development of a vision to transform the Corps to meet these goals and is directing the implementation of the resulting Transformation plan.  Under the direction of the Secretary, Rear Admiral Sam Shekar is leading the Transformation initiative. He is proud to carry on the work of the late Rear Admiral Robert Knouss, who led the Transformation effort with a passion and zeal that was contagious.

New policies, processes, and procedures have been developed to achieve the Secretary’s vision of a transformed Corps as a result of significant efforts by a fully dedicated team in Corps headquarters and additional contributions from hundreds of officers throughout the Corps. The resulting culture of leadership, professionalism, and responsiveness showcases the inherent strengths and talents of the dedicated men and women who protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation.