MLS - United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

On behalf of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) Medical Laboratory Science Professional Advisory Group (MLSPAG), we would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves.  We are Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) commissioned with the USPHS.   USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services in the United States with more than 6,600 highly qualified public health professionals dedicated to the mission of protecting, promoting and advancing the health and safety of the Nation.  

There is about 130 laboratory scientists in the USPHS, we are part of a professional advisory group, the MLSPAG.  The MLSPAG functions in a resource and advisory capacity to assist in the development, coordination, training and evaluation of activities related to Health Services Officers in the Medical Laboratory Science professional discipline in USPHS.  

As you may be aware, over the past several years there has been a decline in students  interested in pursuing a degree in our field, which has had an effect on not only the healthcare field, but also on universities.  We would like to revitalize interest in the field as well as grow our profession within the Corps.  We would like to take this opportunity to inform your MLS students about the benefits and opportunities of serving as a commissioned officer in USPHS. In addition, we’d like to introduce another opportunity, a Senior Commissioned Officer Student Training Externship Program (SRCOSTEP) position which is now being offered for the first time to potential MLS officer. Please refer to the flyers included in the email and share it with your students.  (Flyers available from sharlene.washington@sjsu.edu upon request).  It includes some details about the position, as well as contact information.    

For your convenience, below are links that lead to a wealth of information about the Corps, including mission, core values, professions, benefits, requirements, and student opportunities. 

http://usphs-hso.org/?q=pags/mlspag

http://www.usphs.gov/ 

http://www.usphs.gov/student/srcostep.aspx

I sincerely hope that you will take the time to review the information available in the links above and share with your students of the opportunity to serve in the USPHS while protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the Nation.  

Please do not hesitate to contact me at Richard.Bashay@UNLV.edu should you or your students have any questions regarding the USPHS or the Medical Laboratory Science discipline.

Regards,

Richard Bashay III, MPH, MLS(ASCP)cm

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service

Biological Laboratory Technologist

Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.  Box 453064
Las Vegas, NV  89154-3064
Phone:  (702) 895-1046

Email: Richard.Bashay@UNLV.edu