At the outset of our nation, concern for protection against imported infectious diseases and the need to care for sick seamen led to the creation of the Marine Hospital Service (MHS). The MHS was the predecessor of today’s US Public Health Service (USPHS), a uniformed service of health professionals on call for local, national or international service in the protection of the public’s health.

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps continues to provide a wide range of services, from staffing Indian Health Service facilities to international epidemic response teams.

The chief of the USPHS is the Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), currently Dr. David Satcher. Students may remember one or more of his recent predecessors:
C. Everett Koop (Reagan Presidency)
Antonio Novello (Bush Presidency)
Joycelen Elders (beginning of Clinton presidency)

The Surgeon General does not run any agency, and has no line authority, however, there is enormous authority in the ‘presence’ of the office, and in the access to the Secretary and to the President.
Activity: Discuss the use of a “bully pulpit” to promote health.