Rear Admiral Michael Milner
Chief Health Services Officer, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
In 1997 RADM Michael Milner was deployed to the Devil's Lake Area of North Dakota following severe floods. FEMA had set up a mobile home as a clinic in an American Indian community and RADM Milner, trained as a physician assistant, treated patients from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. He saw everything during his shifts from routine lab work follow- up visits to heart attacks. Before he left, the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe performed a binding ceremony. Members of the community held the edges of a blanket with RADM Milner, and a healer described how the fibers independently are weak, but when they're woven together, the blanket is strong and beautiful. The ceremony symbolically bound RADM Milner to the community and the blanket is one of his most treasured mementos from his 13 years with the Indian Health Service.
Currently, Chief Health Services Officer, RADM Milner provides leadership and coordination of the diverse Health Services category of the Commissioned Corps for the Office of the Surgeon General. The Health Services category represents nearly 900 Corps officers in more that 50 health professional disciplines. "What we do really makes a difference and that is very rewarding. In my job, I'm able to influence policy to allow for better outcomes at the patient level," he says. Having trained as a physician assistant, he learned the value of health care teamwork that allows him to be either a team member or a team leader, depending on the circumstances.
RADM Milner is proud to be an officer in the Commissioned Corps, explaining "It's a privilege to serve my country in this way. I have a lot of pride and respect for the uniform and those who wear it." A tremendous number of opportunities are available in the Corps to grow and develop a meaningful career. The clinical opportunities available allow officers to learn from the patients and communities what they need and how they need it. "The rewards of this career are seeing changes come about because of our efforts -- kids smiling, tighter communities, and health needs being met. This work has made me a better person-a better father, a better husband, a better officer, and a better leader."
RADM Milner transferred from the Air Force to the Commissioned Corps in 1989. He explains, "I never felt like I was part of the Air Force mission. I didn't fly planes or walk on wings. In the Corps, the mission is health care and that's what I do." Leaving the Air Force was a big decision, especially since his father and brother were career Air Force aviators. "I know my dad would have been proud of me when I was promoted to rear admiral in the Corps," he says, continuing the family legacy of service.
RADM Milner has a bachelor's in biology from the University of Cincinnati, a second bachelor's in physician assistant studies from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, a master of medical science from the St. Frances University, and is working on a doctorate of health science from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
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