| History reveals that therapeutic efforts to help or heal those with physical and mental infirmities date back to the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and medical writers. However, formalized training and treatment by the therapeutic disciplines have their organizational roots in the early 1900’s with the establishment of the American Associations of Occupational Therapy (1917), Physical Therapy (1921), and Speech-Language-Hearing (1925).
Throughout therapy history, Public Health Service Therapy Officers have contributed richly to the body of professional knowledge through research, development and education. The work of these gifted pioneers has profoundly impacted both national and international standards of practice. Additionally, the dedicated effort of past and present therapy officers has enhanced the quality of life for a multitude of clients in a variety of settings.
This timeline highlights significant work by therapists wearing the PHS uniform, but by no means is a comprehensive register of all of the valued accomplishments by PHS therapy officers.
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