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Welcome to the Health Services Officer (HSO) website. As the Chief Professional Officer, I am
proud to represent this highly motivated, talented and diverse group of health professionals.
HSOs serve in all Operating Divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services as well as
in other important programs of the Bureau of Prisons, the Immigration and Naturalization Service,
the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Coast Guard, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in
Washington, DC.
The Health Services category is unique in that it encompasses by far the most diverse career fields
of any PHS category. Disciplines are broadly grouped into three subcategories - clinical specialties
(i.e., clinical psychologists, dental hygienists, medical technologists, optometrists, physician
assistants, podiatrists, and social workers), health education and administration specialties, and
basic and applied sciences. For many of these disciplines, the qualifying degree for entry into
the PHS Commissioned Corps is the master's. A doctorate is required for optometrists and
podiatrists, whereas the bachelor's degree is required for applicants with training as dental
hygienists, medical technologists, physician assistants, medical (health) information
administrators, or computer scientists/information resource managers.
I encourage you to use the HSO website to obtain useful information about the Health Services
category and the activities of the Health Services Professional Advisory Committee (HSPAC). You can
access the most current copy of the Health Services Resource Directory, recent and past issues of the
HSPAC minutes, and past issues of the category newsletter, the Health Services Reporter. HSOs may
sign up for the category mentor program, and acquire information concerning category awards, HSPAC
membership, and other items of interest. Please feel free to contact me or any member of the HSPAC
if you have questions or concerns about the Health Services category. We are following our motto
"Strength Through Diversity" as we strive to meet the challenges of the 21st century and a rapidly
changing Nation.
RADM Michael Milner 
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