Salus Populi Suprema Lex Este

Transcription

1 C o m m i s s i o n e d O f f i c e r s A s s o c i a t i o n o f t h e U. S. P u b l i c H e a l t h S e r v i c e VOL. 51, ISSUE 3 Salus Populi Suprema Lex Este April 2014 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Yours Aye! Once More, with Feeling Dear Friends, A s I am sure you all know by now, late on Friday, 14 March, news broke that the National Rifle Association (NRA) was Jerry Farrell, Executive Director urging Senators to vote against the confirmation of Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy to be Surgeon General. The NRA s opposition to Dr. Murthy hinges on a letter he wrote to Congress as president of Doctors for America in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The NRA contends that Dr. Murthy would use the Office of the Surgeon General to call for greater gun controls which they say would be a violation of gun ownership rights enshrined in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This is a stunning development and one which I, and many others, did not see coming. Questioned about his views during his Senate HELP Committee confirmation hearing, Dr. Murthy pledged not to use the Surgeon General s Office to advocate for gun control. Dr. Murthy s nomination was passed by the HELP committee by a vote of 13-9 with one Republican joining all the committee Democrats voting to send the nomination to the full Senate. Following the NRA s strong opposition to the nomination, as (Executive Director, cont d. on p. 24) CDC Director Friedan Named COA Health Leader of the Year r. Tom Frieden, Director of the D Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has been named COA Health Leader of the Year by the COA Board of Directors. Dr. Frieden s focus as CDC director has been threefold: 1.) Improving health security at home and around the world by preparing for, detecting, rapidly responding to and preventing health threats 24/7 to save lives and safeguard communities; 2.) Reducing the leading causes of death and illness by focusing on reducing disease that sap the quality of life and longevity of Americans, including tobacco, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, motor vehicle safety, prescription drug overdoses, and HIV/AIDS; and, 3.) Strengthening public health & health care collaboration - by aligning, coordinating Dr. Tom Friedan and integrating public health and health care to improve health outcomes. These efforts are carried out by Commissioned Officers and Civil Service employees in the field. Under his direction, CDC doctors and nurses, scientists and health educators, and other public health professionals COA/COF Name New Executive Director Col. James T. Currie (Friedan, cont d. on p. 25) he Commissioned Officers Association and PHS T Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health are pleased to announce the engagement of James Tyson Currie as Executive Director for the combined enterprise. Currie holds a doctoral degree in history from the University of Virginia and is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Currie was a professor of Political Science/National Security Studies at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University for 18 years. More recently he has worked as legislative director for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the largest trade association representing the recreational boat building industry, with 1500 members; and (Curry, cont d. on p. 23)

2 COA Member Benefits Capitol Hill Representation Efforts on Capitol Hill continually support all Commissioned Corps officers - active-duty, and retired. Car Rental Discount - Avis & Budget Members enjoy discount rates on Avis and Budget rentals. Financial Services - Pentagon Federal Credit Union PenFed is an on-line credit union providing full service to members worldwide. Frontline COA s newsletter reports on monthly activities and items of interest about the Corps & COA. Insurance Programs - AGIA Participate in low-cost insurance programs that may continue after leaving the PHS as long as your membership in COA remains current. Local Representation COA Branches generate new venues for meeting fellow officers within your local area while providing a forum for the discussion of concerns within the Commissioned Corps. Publication - Public Health Reports Free subscription to the Journal Public Health Reports. Scholarship Program COA offers thousands of dollars towards college scholarships for children and spouses of COA members. MPH@GW/MHA@GW $7500 scholarships to earn completely online, accredited Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration degrees Ribbon Authorized to be worn on the PHS uniform by members in good standing when attending COA functions. Legislative Update ISO: A Few (More) Great PHS Retirees fter numerous starts, stops and A restarts, COA s grassroots lobbying effort finally got off the ground in mid-march. Our Policy Action Group, consisting of 30 PHS retirees (including four flag officers) who are also longtime COA members, began scheduling personal visits with their elected representatives and district-based congressional staff in 25 key congressional districts around the country. The idea is to introduce the PHS Commissioned Corps to elected officials who are unaware of it, and to reinforce the value of the Corps among those who are. Why Retirees? Unlike active-duty PHS officers, PHS retirees are free to engage in legislative advocacy and lobbying. They are free to meet with their own elected representatives in Congress, with other members of their state s congressional delegation, and with congressional staffers and subject matter experts. The only restrictions are that, when they represent COA, they must refrain from fundraising, electioneering, and any hint of political partisanship. To make the case for the PHS, they can talk about their deployments, their careers, and what the PHS presence means in their states and congressional districts. The idea is to make connections and begin a conversation, but to do it in a low-key way that will endure. To members of Congress, PHS retirees are constituents worth knowing. They are what pollsters call high information voters; that is, well-educated, informed, and engaged. They are a resource on public health and emergency preparedness issues. Following their face-to-face visits, Policy Action Group volunteers leave behind information packets prepared by COA staff. These tout the accomplishments of the PHS Commissioned Corps and, one hopes, invite follow-up questions and requests for information. Positive Feedback While in Washington recently, RADM Mike Milner, (Ret.), a Policy Action Group volunteer who lives in Massachusetts, managed to connect with staffers who work for three of that state s eleven -member congressional delegation. Back home, he arranged to meet with Massachusetts U.S. Senators staff during the April recess. He writes, Massachusetts [Members of Congress] definitely get public health, preparedness and prevention. They love CDC and HRSA, and most were aware of the large FDA presence in Stoneham. Having the first Merchant Heath Service clinic in Boston Harbor after John Adams signed the bill in 1798 helps explain the story and connection to our long standing mission to serve the Nation. Congressional Vacations Congress was not in session the week of March 16, and will not be in session the weeks of April 13 and April 20. Members of Congress will also be absent from Washington much of May, June, and July, and (except for one day) all of August. Why so much time off? This ensures that elected officials never lose touch with their constituents while completing their work in Washington, says House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). The schedule allows for time back in the district for meetings with families, seniors, veterans, and other constituents. Majority Leader Cantor says his goal is to permit all House Members to spend one full constituent work week every month in their districts. For our Policy Action Group volunteers, that s all good. (Legislative Update, cont d. on p. 26) 2 Commissioned Officers Association

3 COA Chair s Corner A Smooth Transition can imagine that many of you out there are concerned about COA and COF s ongoing leadership transition. By the time you read this, CAPT Farrell s 12- year tenure as Executive Director of the COA/ COF enterprise will be concluding, and we will be welcoming COL James Currie as our new leader. Many of you may not even remember a time when anyone other than Jerry was our fearless leader. First, let me assure you the transition will be smooth. All other COA staff are remaining in their current positions, and they will continue work unabated through the transition. While Jerry has been the face of COA, most of the action behind the scenes is accomplished by our seasoned and dedicated staff. I have full confidence that John, Judy, Teresa, Malissa, Donna and Erica will keep the ship on course and speedy as ever as leadership of the organization is handed over. Secondly, both the COA Board of Directors and COF Board of Trustees will remain engaged in moving our larger strategic priorities. Between the active Directors and Trustees, we have several hundred years of Corps experience and about a hundred years of experience on one or both Boards represented. COA s most recent five-year strategic plan is just wrapping up, and we are preparing to develop a strategic plan for the next five years. Perfect timing, as it turns out, with our new Executive Director coming on board. Finally, I am confident that COL Currie will transition into COA smoothly and successfully into the Executive Director position, and we will not miss a beat. COL Currie comes to us with a wealth of experience on Capitol Hill after having completed a 30-year career in the Army. He is an outstanding communicator, as you will soon learn if you haven t already. His leadership style is a little different than CAPT Farrell s, but he will no doubt be a great fit with our mission and our team. I would like to thank the Executive Director Search Team, led by CAPT Sara Newman and RADM Bob Williams, (Ret.), for doing such a thorough job within a limited time frame and securing an outstanding leader for our enterprise. I I also want to express my sincere gratitude to CAPT Farrell for his hard-nosed and uncompromising leadership of the COA/COF enterprise over these last 12 years. I remember the first time I met Jerry. It was in August 2007 at the COA Annual Board Dinner when I was the JOAG Representative to COA. I felt overwhelmed in a room full of Captains and Admirals, none of whom I had met before, most I had never even laid eyes on, except perhaps in pictures in Frontline. I introduced myself to Jerry and suggested he needed a nickname I thought bulldog would be appropriate for the tenacity he brought to the Corps issues. He laughed and said he appreciated the compliment. I guess the nickname didn t stick probably just as well I know most COA members think CAPT Farrell is irreplaceable he has been the heart and soul of COA through trying times. I also know Jerry s leadership style rubbed some people the wrong way an unavoidable side effect of consistently speaking truth to power. Whatever you think about the man, his accomplishments are many and undeniable. Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility and later transferability. Whistleblower protections. Exemption from furloughs. All of our pay and benefits, both for active duty and retired officers. Our very existence as a uniformed service. You can thank COA for all of these things, and no single individual more than Jerry Farrell. Jerry is indeed one-of-a-kind the man cannot be replaced. After so many years of tireless service, he has earned his second retirement, and it is time for him to enjoy it. COA has to move on, and with COL Currie at the helm, I expect we will continue to reach new heights, just as we have done consistently over the last decade-plus. I want to encourage each of you not to expect COL Currie to be the next incarnation of CAPT Farrell. While they are both retired O-6 s from our sister services, they do have different personalities, different styles of leadership, different strengths and weaknesses. Get to know Jim on his own terms, and I am sure you will realize that he has the vision, the experience, and the temperament to keep our ship moving ever forward. Finally, I cannot stress enough how important it is that you attend the Annual Symposium in Raleigh from June We will be thanking Jerry for his service to COA and the Corps over these last 12 years. We will also hear from Jim for the first time in person, and you can get to know our new leader. If you appreciate what COA has done and you want to help COA continue to build on these accomplishments in the future, this is the place to be. I can t wait to see you there. April Frontline 3

4 COF President s Corner 2013 Symposium/Recent Events/COF Scholarship Program/Jerrold M. Michael Fellowship/History of USPHS/Emerging Leaders/Programs/Services/History Leadership and Mentorship Found in COF s Mission Statement Case-in-point: My Mentor RADM Jerrold M. Michael, (Ret.) uilding leadership B in public health through advocacy, education, research, partnerships and program support is the mission of the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation (COF). I want to focus on leadership and mentorship in my column to highlight our shared purpose as Public Health Service (PHS) Officers of the Commissioned Corps and provide a case story about my mentor - RADM Jerrold M. Michael. Leadership is paramount in COF s mission statement. In our case, each of us is involved in building public health programs to improve the health of our Nation. As leaders, we seek to mobilize populations for improved health outcomes so people may survive and thrive with an enhanced quality of life. As leaders, we also focus on taking care of each other through mentorship. Also, within our mission statement are five key actions: advocacy, education, research, partnerships, and program support. My thought on partnerships is that it mirrors what is important to COF and what is important to each of us as Public Health Service Officers and that is the power of mentorship. My case-in-point story is about my mentor RADM (Dr.) Michael who I met as a graduate student at the University of Hawaii School of Public Health over 38 years ago. I first met Dr. Michael while taking his health care planning course. Dr. Michael was the Dean of the School of Public Health and he had incredible knowledge on what it took to get the job done via health planning and leadership. Many of his examples came from his work within the PHS. It was not until much later that I learned about his extensive accomplishments; his leadership in the Corps, that he achieved the rank of RADM in his 30 s, became the Chief of Staff at the Indian Health Service, then retired, went into academia, and then became a Dean. I was truly fortunate to connect with Dr. Michael. He has been a lifelong mentor providing guidance throughout my career. He was instrumental in encouraging me to obtain a doctoral degree in public health. In fact, he had a job waiting for me back at the School of Public Health whenever I finished my degree. My thoughts, and with his blessing, were to pursue a career within the PHS. The 1980 s were challenging times with the closure of PHS hospitals and clinics furloughs were the norm and appointments to the PHS were difficult. With guidance, I accepted a position in the U.S Air Force Medical Service as a Hospital Administrator with the knowledge that I would transfer to the PHS. Almost 9 years later, I made the transfer to the PHS in Washington, DC and reconnected with Dr. Michael who recently moved from Hawaii to the DC area. When Dr. Michael began to teach at The George Washington University School of Public Health, I received the call to provide a guest lecture at one of his classes. In the spirit of never saying no to a mentor I have been teaching parttime at GW for 17 years because of Dr. Michael s encouragement and guidance. Fast forward to today Dr. Michael was with me during my retirement from the PHS and my entering into the civil service. We talk and see each other often. I still feel as I did in graduate school learning from my Dean. Dr. Michael, as my mentor, has taught me to have compassion for the populations we serve, to give back to communities, focus on public health improvements, provide leadership, and to mentor others. When I reflect on the story I simply say leadership and mentorship are the keys to success for our populations we serve and how we need to take care of and serve each other. The road of leadership can be challenging, but if you have mentors along the journey it is much easier. As Dr. Michael would tell me there is nothing more important than mentoring our future leaders. The COF mission on leadership and mentorship is powerful and we must ensure that our PHS leaders have the right tools and attitude for the journey! I salute you RADM Michael and thank you for your continued service to the Nation's health and for being my mentor and for being a mentor to the Corps. Gene Migliaccio, DrPH, CAPT (ret) USPHS President, PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation 4 Commissioned Officers Association

5 Commissioned Officers Foundation Junior Officers Gain from USPHS Symposium ver 60 junior officers (O3 and below) have applied for a Junior Officer Scholarship which covers the cost of registration for O the 2014 Symposium in beautiful Raleigh. Eligible junior officers must be a COA member and certify in writing that funding has been requested from his/her agency and been denied. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is May 6. Scores of junior officers attend the annual conference seeking valuable continuing education credits, networking opportunities with potential mentors, and more. LT Jennifer Cockrill wrote of the 2013 Symposium, Given its importance to careers of Commissioned Corps officers, attendance at the annual USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium should be deemed essential. LT Cockrill received career advice, presented data on an explosive ordnance personnel study, served as an aide-de-camp, and established data sharing partnerships. For more information on the Junior Officer Scholarship, visit REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium June 10-12, 2014 to be held in Raleigh, NC April Frontline 5

6 Commissioned Officers Foundation Acknowledges Donations Received February 26 - March 20, 2014 GOLD RADM Sven E. Rodenbeck, (Ret.) SILVER CAPT Lawrence M. Nelson* BRONZE CDR Sandra S. Aretino CAPT Richard J. Anderson, (Ret.) CAPT James E. Bleadingheiser, (Ret.) CAPT Delwin K. Buckhold, (Ret.) CAPT Wanho Cheung, (Ret.) CAPT Alice M. Haggerty, (Ret.) CAPT Mary I. Lambert CAPT William G. Lotz** CAPT Lowell F. Miller, (Ret.) CAPT Kathleen A. Morse, (Ret.) CAPT Rebecca L. Sheets CAPT Timothy F. Svoboda, (Ret.)* LCDR Robin L. Toblin FRIENDS CAPT George A. Durgin, Jr. CAPT Joseph Garcia, Jr., (Ret.)** CAPT Martin I. Goldenberg, (Ret.)** LCDR Harlem J. Gunness CAPT John J. Henderson, (Ret.) CDR James L. Kenney, III CAPT Charles D. Larson, (Ret.)* CAPT Florence M. Seidler, (Ret.)** CAPT Charlotte A. Spires Donations Can be Made at Several Levels: Leadership Society... $10,000 President s Society... $5,000 Founder s Society... $2,500 Platinum... $1,000 Gold... $500 Silver... $250 Bronze... $100 Visit to donate online today! *C. Everett Koop Living Legacy **Emerging Leaders Scholarship Fund 6 Commissioned Officers Association

7 Commissioned Officers Foundation Annual Symposium Symposium Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching he deadline for discounted Early Bird registration rates for the USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium is rapidly approaching. Register by April 11 to save up to 30%. Visit the conference website to sign T up. Highlights of this year s conference include Keynote presentations by: o RADM Fitzhugh Mullan, USPHS (Ret), Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University o Dr. Arthur Kellerman, Dean, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Science; and o Dr. William Lanier, Mayo Clinic More than 40 track presentations on best practices, case studies, emerging trends and the latest research in public health A full-day of profession-specific content for nurses, pharmacists, physicians and more Six pre-conference courses Continuing education credits An exhibit hall featuring more than 60 vendors demonstrating the latest products and service Multiple opportunities to network A retirement seminar Surgeon General's 5K Run/Walk and APFT Anchor and Caduceus Dinner (priced separately) And much more! Visit for all of the details. Exhibitor/Sponsor Opportunities at Symposium A few exhibit booths and sponsorship opportunities remain for the 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium to be held June in Raleigh. The Symposium is an excellent venue for companies, government agencies, universities and non-profit organizations serving the public health community to demonstrate their products and services. More than 1,000 attendees are expected from the Department of Health and Human Services, FDA, CDC, Indian Health Services, Bureau of Prisons, NIH, and Tribal, State and Local public health agencies. Visit for more information or to sign up. Pre-Conference Workshops at USPHS Symposium he following pre-conference workshops will be offered on T Tuesday, June 10 preceding the 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium in Raleigh. Unless otherwise noted there is no registration fee. A minimum number of pre-registrants may be required for a course to go forward. You may sign up for these courses during registration. Basic Life Support (BLS) to save a life. The course provides information for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating during cardiopulmonary emergencies. In this course, you ll learn how to: recognize the signals of heart attack and take appropriate actions, perform one and two rescuer CPR, gain early access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), recognize and respond to sudden unexpected death, assist a choking adult, child or infant victim and perform adult, child and infant CPR. Two courses will be offered, 8:00 am -- 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - - 5:00 pm This course is designed for healthcare providers to learn how Branch Leadership 8:00 am -- 3:00 pm Reserved for representatives of local COA branches to gather (Workshops, cont d. on p. 10) April Frontline 7

8 Commissioned Officers Foundation Annual Symposium Symposium Track Topics Announced he Planning Committee for the 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium has announced the track session agenda for T Wednesday, June 11. Highlights will include: Track 1: Emergency Preparedness Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Attacks and the Psychological Effects of Bioterror Public Health Impact of Acute Chemical Releases in Schools Chemical Weapons Elimination in the U.S. and Public Health Commissioned Corps Hospital Assistance Team s Mission to Saipan Navy Yard Shooting: Collaborative Response via Navy/Public Health The National Healthcare Preparedness Program: Impact on the Nation and Deployment Teams Panel Session: Assets and Assessments: Keys to National Readiness CDC Responder Workforce: Addressing Preparedness Learning Needs Development of the National Health Security Preparedness Index Healing in Times of Chaos: Federal Disaster Resources Track 2: Prevention Workplace Violence Prevention Leading the Way to Wellness: One Community at a Time Building Capacity to Implement and Evaluate Obesity Prevention Get Healthy, Healthy Diet: Challenges of Remaining Fit and Healthy Dental Therapists as Part of a Dental Prevention Strategy Understanding Native American and Alaskan Native Suicide Diabetes Self-Management Education as Key to Prevention Track 3: Clinical Services Military Behavioral Health Specialists: Increasing Access to Care Achieving Excellence: Leadership in a Clinical Setting Post-War to Prison-Continuing Clinical Skills in the Future Provision of Culturally Competent Care Translating Evidence-Based Pediatric Obesity Care into Practice Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Service Track 4: Pharmacy Exposures to Drugs in Pharmacies Clinics, and Other Settings Reducing Medication Errors Using a Human Factors Approach Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in Medicare and the ACA How an Antidote Becomes a Poison Role of New drug Development to Fight Against Rare Diseases Trials and Triumphs HIV Pharmacy Clinic Program Track 5: Innovation Innovations in Vital Statistics Panel Discussion: Innovative Public Health Strategies in Selected Communities Supporting the Surgeon General's Walking Initiative in Prison Integrative Holistic Medicine: An Optimal Healing Environment Building Partnerships on Tribally Built Health Care Facilities Visit for more information or to register. 8 Commissioned Officers Association

9 Commissioned Officers Foundation Annual Symposium Symposium Category Day Highlights gendas for the 11 Category Day (June 12) meetings at the A USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium are being finalized. Highlights will include: Dental Oral Medicine: Biopsies and treatment David Satcher Lecture Non-fluoride caries intervention Dietitians Nutrition Today: Prevention, Innovation, and Progress New Menu Labeling In Restaurants Head Start Healthy Heart Program Engineers Chief Engineer's Address Healthcare Facilities Accreditation - Facility Engineer Per spective Alternative Energy Technologies and Web-Based Remote Monitoring Environmental Health Officers Changing the Safety Culture One Step at a Time Lessons on School Indoor Air Quality from the Free to Breathe, Free to Teach Study Enhancing Environmental Health Practice through Increased Use of Qualitative Research Methods The National Tribal Water Center: An Example of Collabo ration across USPHS Categories Health Services Officers Nurses Leadership, Life and Legacy: What is the meaning of a Public Health Service Career? Journey to Excellence: Leading, Thriving and Adapting in New Times Round Table Discussions Covering More than 30 Topics Public Health Nursing Spreading Health Awareness and Prevention from Domestic to Global Community Health Identifying High-Yield Opportunities for Transitional Care: Findings from Community Care of NC Heads Up/Heads Down: What does sleep have to do with it Pharmacists Personalized Medicines and Pharmacogenomics Disaster Relief Settings Over the Counter Drug Regulation Implementation of Pharmacist Managed Clinics Physicians Public Health Engagement Along the Humanitarian Emer gency Continuum The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS PHS Physician Career Update Scientists Public Health Improving Population Health: Lessons from ACA Implementation and the Future Public Health Work force Psychological First Aid Response to Washington Navy Yard Shooting Using Public Data to Inform U.S. Health Workforce Policies Therapists The Role of Physical Activity in a System for Health Diagnosing and Managing Acute Upper Extremity Injuries within the Bureau of Prisons The Clinical Impact of the Ankle Brachial Index Veterinarians Back to Basics: A National Prevention Strategy Data Collec tion Project The One Health Commission: A national multi-disciplinary initiative to advance the health of people, animals and the environment "Animals as Sentinels for Environmental Exposures Visit for more information or to register. April Frontline 9

10 Commissioned Officers Foundation Annual Symposium (cont d. from p. 7) and discuss best practices for COA membership retention and recruitment, volunteer activities, professional development, etc. Food Safety Issues in the Event of Disasters: Practical Applications 8:00 am -- 4:30 pm Participants will identify and apply best practices to address food safety issues faced in the event of a disaster. Food safety issues and concerns that will be covered include situational assessments, inspectional concerns, salvage and other mitigation strategies related to food retail and processing facilities. This face-to-face course includes interactive lectures, small group discussions, and practical exercises to reinforce the course objectives and content. Leadership Session 8:00 am -- 4:00 pm This session promotes a culture of leadership within the USPHS and other organizations. Speakers will include senior leaders from within the USPHS and faculty from the University of North Carolina Public Health Leadership Program and the Center for Creative Leadership. This year s agenda includes keynote addresses, inter-active exercises, a panel of senior leaders, small group discussions, and break-out sessions that focus on the different leadership growth needs of junior and senior officers. Participants will be asked to interview senior leaders within their organizations in preparation for discussions. Nurse Skills Training 8:00 am -- 12:00 pm This session is designed to address skillsets required by nurses, as well as other healthcare professionals, during an emergency deployment situation. There will be five basic training skills offered by nursing experts from various federal agencies: 1) electronic health record (EHR), 2) federal medical station cache content/set up, 3) basic triage emergency management, 4) basic nurse care (IV insertion & medication administration), and 5) mental health care. Each participant will receive didactic as well as hands-on practicum training of each skill. In addition to the skills training, this year we will also make available two Direct Access stations providing actual hands-on experience with trouble shooting/entry/updating information for readiness purposes. Living Life on Purpose: Investing in Your Own Health 8:00 am -- 4:00 pm (lunch on own) What would you do if you had more energy? Where would you invest that energy? How do you get more energy? This "Health Athlete" workshop, designed for busy health professionals who want to re-focus and re-energize their personal and professional lives, answers these questions and more. Take this opportunity to take stock, learn strategies to achieve a healthier lifestyle and live your life on purpose. Drawing upon the latest cognitivebehavioral strategies, this full-day interactive workshop provides evidence-based information and guides participants through a powerful set of exercises to renew one's commitment to their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. A comprehensive workbook will be provided along with 13 weeks of newsletter follow up. There is a $75 registration fee to cover the cost of the book which is required for workshop attendance. COA Expands Scholarships for Online GW Degrees hanks to a partnership with the George Washington Milken Institute School of T Public Health, COA members are eligible to receive a $7,500 scholarship to attend one of GW s renowned online master s degree programs: MPH@GW A Master of Public Health that develops leaders who impact the health of communities worldwide. Learn more. MHA@GW An Executive Master of Health Administration for professionals with three or more years of experience in the health care or health services industry who are seeking leadership roles in their organization. Request more information. Both of these online programs blend top-level curricula, face-to-face interactions and real-world experiences to help you advance your career without putting it on hold. 10 Commissioned Officers Association

11 Retiree Corner Free Retirement Seminar at the Symposium By CAPT Alan Echt, USPHS fficers planning to retire in the next few years and those O recently retired should attend the Retirement Seminar on June 13 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Back by popular demand, the event will feature LCDR Mark McKinnon, Separations Counselor in the Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel and Readiness. LCDR McKinnon will discuss numerous aspects of retirement, including the retirement checklist, timeline and process; retirement types and systems; the exit physical examination; retirement residual leave balance options; post-retirement employment limitations; uniformed services retirement newsletters; a walkthrough of the PHS-1373 form and request for retirement memos; retired pay, taxes, COLA, social security, concurrent disability and retired pay, TSP, and retired pay forms; and retirement resources, including sister service resources, handy retirement related web sites, and frequently asked questions. LCDR McKinnon's presentation will be an adjunct to the Official Retirement Seminar that has been developed and deployed on the Commissioned Corps Learning Management System (LMS) site. Sign up for the free seminar by registering for the 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium. Visit symposium.phscof.org/ for details. Other speakers at the Retirement Seminar on June 13 tentatively include Brian Pollard, CWS, CLU, a Wealth Advisor at USAA, and Bob Bieri, a senior presenter with the Navy Mutual Aid Association. A representative of AARP has also been invited to speak. Separations Team, which is responsible for all aspects of Commissioned Corps separations and retirements. His PHS career has included a variety of assignments, beginning as a staff PA assigned to the Federal Correctional Institute in Oxford, MS. In recognition of his efforts in various disaster and emergency responses, LCDR McKinnon was chosen to be the executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. His next assignment was to the training cadre at the Commissioned Corps Training Academy. Prior to joining the PHS, LCDR McKinnon served in the Marine Corps for 11 years and the Navy Reserves for 4 years. He also spent several years as a civilian health care provider. Brian Pollard earned a BS in Business Management and Biological Sciences from North Carolina State University and received certifications in Advanced Estate and Financial Planning Practices from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Pollard earned his certifications as a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Chartered Life Underwriter from The American College of Financial Services. Prior to joining USAA, he was a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. Robert V. Bieri retired from the United States Marine Corps after 22 years of service. He earned a master s degree in Psychological Counseling from Marymount University in 1995 and holds CLU and ChFC certifications from The American College of Financial Services. This is a great opportunity to plan your retirement or adjust your retirement plans. We hope to see you there! LCDR McKinnon is a physician assistant (PA) assigned to the Are you currently receiving National COA s monthly s? If not, visit the COA Members Only website ( to update your information. You may be missing valuable COA/COF communication! April Frontline 11

12 2014 Elections COA Board of Directors he PHS Officers who serve as COA Directors have an important job. Throughout their terms, through active participation on T committees and in board meetings, they identify issues and problems for the Board s consideration. Their many hours of hard work help to accomplish the goals and mission of the organization. Their work is uncompensated but greatly appreciated. COA s Board of Directors includes one member from each of these eleven categories: Dental, Dietitian, Engineer, Environmental Health, Health Services, Medical, Nurse, Pharmacist, Scientist, Therapist, and Veterinarian. The Board also includes three Retired officers and three Field Officers. Board terms are for three years, beginning on July 1. Vacancies currently exist in six categories: Dietitian Officer, Field Officer, HSO Officer, Medical Officer, Nurse Officer and Retired Officer, Therapist Officer and Veterinarian Officer (below are the nominee profiles). COA bylaws stipulate that only active duty, retired, inactive reserve, and life members of COA are permitted to vote. Please review the candidates profiles and make your selections using the convenient online or return your completed paper ballot (p. 16 of this Frontline edition) by mail or fax ( ) to the COA offices (Attn: Teresa Hayden Foley) by May 2, In many cases, contested vacancies are won by a mere handful of votes. Your vote does count please use it! Vote today for the PHS officers who will help guide your COA for the next three years. DIETITIAN CDR BLAKELEY FITZPATRICK Current PHS position: (or Retired/Inactive Reserve) and location- Interdisciplinary Scientist, FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, College Park, MD (2008 to present). Previous PHS positions: Clinical Research Dietitian, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (2004 to 2008). Related Professional Activities: Current member, COA Board of Directors; Current Chair, COA Membership Committee; Dietitian representative on the Cross-Category Communications Committee; Member of the Dietitian PAC Wellness Subcommittee; Alternate Commissioned Corps Liaison for the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; PHS Awards/Honors Received; Dietitian Responder of the Year Award (2007); Dietitian Junior Officer of the Year Award (2005); 2 Commendation Medals; 1 Achievement Medal; 2 PHS Citations; 2 Outstanding Unit Citations; 13 Unit Commendations; 5 Special Assignment Awards; 2 Crisis Response Service Awards; Commissioned Corps Training Ribbon; Field Medical Readiness Badge. COA Offices Held: COA Board of Directors- Dietitian Representative (1/2012 to present); Chair, COA Communications Committee (7/2012 to 6/2013); Chair, 12 COA Membership Committee (7/2013 to present); Ex-Officio member of COA Board of Directors while Vice Chair of JOAG ( ); DCCOA Board Member (8/2009-8/2010). Position Statement: Over the years, I have continued to increase my participation in COA activities because I truly believe that the work that COA does is crucial for the future of the USPHS. I served on the DCCOA Board of Directors and was also an Ex-Officio member of the COA National Board of Directors from I was selected to serve on the COA National Board of Directors in While Chair of the COA Communications and Public Relations Committee in , we worked to develop materials to promote attendance at the 2013 Symposium. As Chair of the COA Membership Committee this year, we have focused on assisting local branches throughout the country in their efforts to increase COA membership among officers in their area, and have also been working hard to get new calls to active duty involved with COA at the start of their career. I hope to be elected to serve another term on the COA Board of Directors because I would like to continue to work towards growing the membership and shaping the organization during a time when its leadership is changing and its service to the USPHS is of utmost importance. I hereby acknowledge my understanding Commissioned Officers Association of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. FIELD CDR MICHELLE COLLEDGE Current PHS Position: Expert Research Officer/Environmental Health Scientist. Previous PHS Positions: Same billet track: Junior Research Officer, Research Officer, Senior Research Officer; all as Environmental Health Science positions at ATSDR. Related Professional Activities: Serve on or chair several national work groups with local, state, and federal partners; Commander RIST 5; ESF-8 Region 5 Emergency Response Team (RERT); member of APFT 4 ( ); have held Chair/ President positions in: COA Chicago Branch (2004, 2011), HSPAC Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee (2004, 2005, acting, 2010) and Health Services Applicant Placement Program ( ), JOAG (2005, JOAG Chair; 2004 Chair, Policy and Procedures Committee). Serve as peer reviewer for scientific journals; Present original research at national conferences and in scientific papers. PHS Awards/Honors Received: Outstanding Service Medal (2009, 2013); Commendation Medal (2006, 06, 10); Achievement Medal (2002, 03);

13 Outstanding Unit Citation (2007, 07, 09); Unit Commendation (2003, 04, 05, 08, 09, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13); Special Assignment Award (2004, 2005, 2006, 2010); Recruitment Service Award (2009); Crisis Response Service Award (2004, 2006); Field Medical Readiness Badge (2007). COA Offices Held: Local: Member Chicago COA Chapter since 2002; President, Chicago COA (2011, 2004); Presidentelect (2010, 2003); Executive Secretary (2002); National: COA Member since 2001; COA Legislation and Benefits Committee (2005; 2008-present); Meeting: 2003, 2004, 2005, Position Statement: COA is a lifeline and powerful advocate for our service. I have found my volunteer work in this organization incredibly rewarding and valuable. I have witnessed the direct impact of the organization with the overturning of policy that undermines our service, and personally with how COA fights for the rights of its individual members on many different levels. It is my honor and privilege to serve formally, or to continue volunteering. I believe my history of leading and serving in a number of professional organizations, workgroups, and in our local COA chapter/national Legislation and Benefit Committee would make me an asset to the national board. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. HSO CDR VAN MORFIT Current PHS Position: Program Manager. Policy Analyst/ Previous PHS Positions: Program Analyst, Office of Planning and Evaluation, Office of the Administrator, HRSA. Related Professional Activities: Member COA, DCCOA, FDCOA, HSO PH PAG, HSO PHPAG Policy, Generalist & Certified Health Educator subcommittees. PHS Awards/Honors Received: Outstanding Service Medal, Achievement Medal, 5 Unit Commendations, FMRB COA Offices Held: D.C. member since 2003; Ft. Detrick Branch since 2011, National member since Position Statement: I view the COA Board as being in a position outside of the government which can help establish policies, assist the SG & the PHS with legal and legislative issues. I wish to volunteer my time and expertise to the Board in order to support the Commissioned Corps and the SG. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. CAPT CRAIG WILKINS Current PHS Position: August 2013 present Acting Director for Tribal Support, Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Previous PHS Positions: October July 2013, Associate Director, Training and Evaluation; Office for State; Tribal; Local and Territorial Support, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Related Professional Activities: HSO/ Chief Professional Officer Support Team ; CPO Senior Counselor for HSO Officers 2008-present; Charter Member/ Senior Advisor for HSO s PHPAG, ; HSO s HA-PAG Member , Chair, 2007, Policy Chair , Senior Advisor ; HS-PAC, Voting Member , Chair Policy Sub-Committee , Policy Sub- Committee ; Member, Member, American Indian/Alaska Native Commissioned Officers Advisory Committee (AI/ANCOAC) , Vice-Chair , Senior Advocate 2004-present; OSG Minority Liaison Council PHS Awards/Honors Received: Outstanding Service Meda1; DOD Joint Service Commendation Medal; Commendation Medal; Achievement Medal; Citation (2); Outstanding Unit Citation (6); Unit Commendation (13); Special Assignment Award (3); Foreign Duty Award (3); Global Response Service Award; Hazardous Duty Award; Crisis Response Service Award; Isolated Hardship Award; Field Medical Readiness Badge; Commissioned Corp Training Ribbon; and numerous DHHS, PHS, CDC, IHS Honor Awards. COA Offices Held: Local: Atlanta COA Branch Executive Committee , Co-Chair Special Projects Committee, National: COA Board of Directors, HSO Category Representative, 2011-present; Chair, Legislation and Benefits Committee 2013-present; Chair, Awards Committee, Meeting: MOLC Awards and HSO Planning Committees 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, Attendance at every COA since Conducted presentations at the 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012 Symposiums. Position statement: This nomination is being respectfully submitted in my viable interest in continuing to serve as the HSO representative on the COA Board of Directors. I ve gained extensive leadership experience while serving as Chair for various COA committees and as an active participant in other COA/HSO initiatives. As the HSO representative on the Board I would continue to leverage this experience and serve as a very strong advocate on key issues related to the HSO category. COA has a critical role in representing PHS Officers interests and advancing the mission during these challenging times, but opportunities exist that all Officers should be engaged in to support PHS, the OSG, and COA. Each category has a role in bringing more visibility to the Corps by helping to increase the size of the Corps; supporting COA s effort of increasing the authority and respect of the OSG and to increase our much needed visibility on Capitol Hill. Our efforts in these and future initiatives will help support the COA and sustain the PHS as we collectively move forward. It would be a distinct honor to continue to have the opportunity to serve on the COA Board of Directors as the HSO representative. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. MEDICAL CAPT BRIAN LEWIS Current PHS Position: USFDA: Medical April Frontline 13

14 Review Officer, Center for Devices and Radiological Health ( ); PHS-1 RDF Cardiologist (Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, Sandy). Previous PHS Positions: DC COA Membership Chair ; JOAG Member and Esprit De Corps Committee Secretary 2004; PPAC Benefits Subcommittee Related Professional Activities: Pacemaker Cardiologist, still practicing in clinic and surgery weekly at Washington DC Veterans Affairs MC; Extensive Volunteerism including: Physician Leader, Sibley Hospital ICD Patient Support Group present; MSI Youth Soccer Head Coach or Assistant Coach, multiple teams 2011-present and MSI Soccer Coach of the year 2012; Instructor 2012-present and Board Member Parent Encouragement Program (parenting education non-profit) Kensington, MD. PHS Awards/Honors Received: Outstanding Service Medals: Exceptional leadership and clinical contributions to FDA oversight of ICD recalls; Public health communications during recalls for Guidant defibrillators; Commendation Medals: Providing complementary learning resources for FDA professionals in pacing; Achievement Medal: Coauthor and editor of two FDA guidance documents; Exceptional leadership, initiative & problem solving as Ancillary Services Branch Director, College Station, FMS. COA Offices Held: Local: DC COA Membership Chair Position statement: Joining the Public Health Service 10 years ago took me from serving one patient at a time in private practice cardiology to serving a nation of patients and physicians through FDA's Center for Devices Pacemaker, Defibrillator and Leads team. I feel fortunate to significantly and positively impact healthcare on a very large scale daily through assuring the safety and effectiveness of therapies regulated by FDA. It would be my pleasure to join and serve the COA Board, consistent with my ongoing extensive volunteer work including nonprofit Board service. I am eager to support the careers and welfare of my fellow officers through this worthwhile group. My great grandparents were welcomed to this country in New York City by Commissioned Corps Officers at Ellis Island. It would be a great honor to continue bringing my service full circle to help care for the Commissioned Corps. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. NURSE CDR ALLISON ADAMS-MCLEAN Current PHS Position: Nurse Manager of Oncology Day Hospital. Previous PHS Positions: 3/2011 to 8/2013 Nurse Consultant: Automated Nurse Scheduling Office System Administrator, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD; 7/2009 to 3/2011 Senior Regulatory Project Manager at Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) White Oak, MD; 3/2007 to 6/2009 Research Coordinator: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disorder, NIH, MD. Related Professional Activities: Operations Chief/RDF 2010 to Present; Co- Chair Nurse Category Day/NPAC 2014 Co-Chair Events subcommittee/npac (Coordinated USPHS Nurse Recognition Day); Federal Public Health Strategic Nursing Planning group/ Website work group/npac ( ); BCOAG/Health Disparities sub-committee (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010); NIH Promotion committee (2006, to Present). PHS Awards/Honors Received: USPHS Commendation (2007, 2011, 2012); USPHS Achievement (2008, 2011, 2012); USPHS Unit Commendation (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013); USPHS Crisis Response Service Award (2008); USPHS Special Service Award (2010); NIH Director s Award (2012, 2013); USPHS Chief Nurse Officer Award (2012, 2013); Local Baltimore Branch: 2013 to present; DC Branch: 2006 to POSITION STATEMENT: The role of a commissioned officer exemplifies a paradigm of professionalism and officership. Throughout my career as a nurse and an officer I strive to serve in a way that will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and impose a positive influence to those that my actions impact. For example, I identified a need for basic nursing care (baths, transfers, feeding) training for the non-clinical officers within my RDF. I coordinated a basic nursing skills training day to provide this education. This training benefits the entire RDF team during deployments when resources are limited and all hands on deck are required to meet the goals of our mission. As a member of the COA Board, I would use my skills as a leader, advocate and professional, to promote the mission of the COA for the greater good of my fellow officers (active, inactive and retired). I have demonstrated these skills with my active participation in RDF2 and NPAC sub committees. I am passionate and highly motivated to advance the welfare of the Commissioned Corps and would appreciate the opportunity to utilize this position to increase the Corps visibility and to collaborate with local COA branches. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. LT CHANDRA JOLLEY Current PHS Position: AED Program Manager. Previous PHS Positions: Fedstrive Clincial Lead, Nurse Manager, Staff nurse. Related Professional Activities: JOAG Voting member: Membership Co-lead and Nurse Liaison for NPAC; JOAG Meet & Greet Lead for DC; Capitol Area Deployment Team: Nurse Office. PHS Awards/Honors Received: Three Unit Commendations, Outstanding Unit Commendation, Hazardous Duty Award, Special Assignment. COA Offices Held: Local: general member - DC. POSITION STATEMENT: COA is a vital instrument for Commissioned Corps 14 Commissioned Officers Association

15 officers. Their resources, research, advocacy, representation and many other efforts strengthen officers across the country and preserve the mission of the Corps. If elected to serve as the nursing category s representative, I pledge to strive to maintain the excellence of the prior members and uphold the traditions of the organization. Nurses serve in many roles and in diverse settings throughout the PHS. My experiences have prepared me to voice the concerns and bring a fresh perspective for all nurses, especially from the junior officer s viewpoint. For the past 18 months, I have served in the role of nurse liaison to the NPAC and made every effort to give a voice to junior nurses throughout the Corps. I believe this role has specifically prepared me to take this role and continue to advocate for all nurses, especially junior nurses and those who currently serve in the field. I plan to continue to engage our senior nurses to evaluate their views and concerns of where we have come as a category and bridge the gap with junior nurses. United we can forge ahead and continue to build a strong legacy of public health nurses. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. RETIRED RADM SAMUEL ( WOODIE ) KESSEL, (RET.) Previous PHS positions: Director; Surgeon General's Workshop on Prevention of Child Maltreatment Director; President's Safe and Bright Futures for Children Initiative; Federal Advisor; National Advisory Committee on Children and Terrorism; Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Deputy Director; Medicine and Health Science; ODPHP; OPHS; OS; DHHS; Senior Child Health Science Advisor; OPHS; OS; DHHS; Senior Environmental Health Science Advisor for Children; HRSA; DHHS; Co-Executive Director; President s TF, Environmental Health and Safety Risks; Director; White House Task Force on Infant Mortality; OS; Director; Division for Systems, Education, and Science; MCHB; HRSA; DHHS; Chief; Research and Training Branch; DMCH; HRSA; Medical Officer; Epidemiology and Biometry Research Program; NICHD; NIH; Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General. Related Professional Activities: I have been a community pediatrician for nearly four decades working to advance child and family health; an educator in public health, public policy, pediatrics, and maternal and child health; an investigator for the discovery of new knowledge and science-based public policy; a multidisciplinary practitioner in electrical engineering, medicine, and public health. I am the Senior Child Health Scholar in Residence at the C E Koop Institute, Dartmouth College and Medical School, and Professor of the Practice at the University of Maryland s School of Public Health. I have been a program director for applied research, community programs, and professional education; and advocate for children and families, public -private enterprise, diversity, and achieving human potential. I have been involved in developing the Children s Health Insurance Program, guidelines for health supervision of children and adolescents that serve as the standard of care for children in The Affordable Care Act; preventing childhood obesity through federal initiatives and community-based research helping grandparents help their grandchildren make health choices through the GrandFamilies project; preventing gun violence as a Co-Chair of the APHA MCH Section Gun Violence Prevention Committee and elected member of the APHA Governing Council and APTR. I serve on several nonprofit boards including the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition Board; the Sesame Workshop Health and Nutrition workgroup; PBS KIDS Health Council; Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation; Madieu Williams Foundation; Healthy Children, Healthy Futures Organization; the Fischell Bioengineering Advisory Committee, UMD; and others. PHS Awards/Honors Received: I have received the USPHS Distinguished Service Medal, USPHS Surgeon General s Medallion, numerous Secretarial and USPHS Citations, Commendations, Meritorious Service Awards, the Drexel 100 Distinguished Alumni Award, the Einstein College of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Academy of Pediatrics Excellence in Public Service Award, APA Public Policy Award for Outstanding Contributions in Child Health Policy AAP Job Lewis Smith Award for Community Pediatrics and others. Position Statement: It would be my honor to serve on the Board of Directors of the COA. I have been privileged to be a member of the USPHSCC for nearly three decades. I championed disease prevention and health promotion matters for the White House, Cabinet Secretaries, Surgeons General, and HHS officials spanning eight administrations. During my career I mentored young officers, promoted education and training for health professionals, advanced science and research, collaborated across disciplines and organizations, and helped to disseminate public health science with the public. I was privileged to work on such issues as Healthy People, smoking cessation, child health, HIV/AIDS, children with special needs, adolescent health, mental health, obesity prevention, health literacy, and other topics directly with the seven previous Surgeons General. I was also an advisor on setting USPHS policy on preparing the next generation of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary health professionals, teaching prevention, public health, and population health. I look forward to working with the COA Board, staff and members to improve and protect the public s health and especially to advocating the Commissioned Corps and its officers and the great contributions of the USPHS to achieving the healthiest nation. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. RADM ROBERT WILLIAMS, (RET.) Current PHS Position: Retired. Previous PHS Positions: Acting Deputy Surgeon General ( ), PHS Chief of April Frontline 15

16 Staff ( ), Chief Engineer ( ), Director, Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ( ); additional assignments from Related Professional Activities: EPAC ( ); American Academy of Environmental Engineers (1994-present; Trustee -8yrs); AMSUS (General Meeting Chair, ; 1996-present); APHA (1996- present); Society of American Military Engineers (Natl. Vice President (4y); Board (9y); Fellow); American Society of Civil Engineers (numerous committees; Fellow); NEHA (RHSP, 1989-present); American Water Works Association and Water Environmental Federation (numerous committees). PHS Awards/Honors Received: Distinguished Service Medal (2), Surgeon General s Medallion (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Surgeon General s Exemplary Service Medal (4), Outstanding Service Medal; several additional Medals, Unit Citations and Unit Commendations and Badges. COA Offices Held: Local: Atlanta Branch Past President (1992); President (1991); Vice President/President Elect (1990); Executive Board Member (1985, 86, 89, 92); Treasurer (1988); Secretary (1987); National: COA Board and COF Board, 2011-present; Meeting: National General Chair for COA Health Professionals Meeting Position statement: I believe strongly in the mission of the Commissioned Officers Association (COA) to protect the interests of PHS Commissioned Officers through advocacy to the Health and Human Services administration, Congress, and partnerships with the other Uniformed Services and member organizations. I have seen the impact of COA on these entities when I served within the Office of the Surgeon General and I know it is imperative that COA remain committed to raising consciousness among these entities, and the general public. It is the independence of COA that allows it to move freely within various arenas to voice concerns and lend support where, and as, needed. And, it is its interdependency with the PHS Corps that gives COA the strength and vitality necessary to be successful in all such pursuits. I believe the leadership of COA, when fully realized and utilized by the leadership of the Commissioned Corps, can provide boundless opportunities to increase knowledge of the Corps as one of this Nation s most vital public health resources. Having served on the COA and COF Boards for two years, I know all this is possible. I would be honored to be reelected to the Board and lend my voice, experiences, and efforts to COA as it continues in its noble mission. I hereby acknowledge my understanding of the COA Board participation guidelines and I am willing to abide by them. For your convenience you may also click on the Ballot box to vote on-line! 16 Commissioned Officers Association

17 COA Branch Marketplace The COA Branch Marketplace returns to the USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium See you in Raleigh on June 10 th -12 th! By CAPT Bruce Tierney, USPHS fter the success of the inaugural COA Branch Marketplace A at the well attended 2012 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium held in College Park, MD, and the equally successful Marketplace last summer in Glendale, AZ, both COF and National COA have again provided their support to make the marketplace available again this year. Officers will have the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of different PHS Pride merchandise produced by different local branches at the 2014 Symposium which will be held at the Raleigh, NC Convention Center in Raleigh, NC from June 10 12, The COA Marketplace was organized by the Atlanta COA and DC COA branches in coordination with the Local Branch Committee of the COA Board of Directors to develop a marketplace where local branches would have the opportunity to present PHS merchandise for sale. A number of COA branches have participated in the marketplace over the past two years to showcase PHS Pride merchandise they had designed and officers from across the country had a single location in the Symposium Exhibit Hall to shop for them. COA Branches will once again have the opportunity to display and sell their PHS Pride merchandise to officers attending the 2014 Symposium at an affordable cost. This opportunity will allow local branches to use more of the funds they raise selling PHS Pride merchandise to support local branch activities, expand recruitment efforts and encourage local officers to join their local branch. The COA Branch Marketplace is likely to fill quickly so don t miss this opportunity! If your local branch has not had the opportunity to get involved in the Marketplace, then a branch representative should contact CAPT Bruce Tierney at BTierney@cdc.gov as soon as possible to learn more. The deadline to apply to be part of the COA Branch Marketplace is May 9 th, Space is limited and made available on a first- come, first-served basis. Your local branches look forward to seeing as many officers as possible at the 2014 Symposium and hope you will come out and support both the Symposium and the COA Branch Marketplace! DC COA PACE Subcommittee Members Educate Maryland 2 nd graders on National Prevention Strategy and Importance of Clean Hands By LT John Pesce, USPHS hrough the District of Columbia Commissioned Officer T Association (DC COA) PACE subcommittee, LT John Pesce and LCDR Leo Angelo Gumapas presented the PACE developed lesson Healthy Hands: Why clean hands are important! to 52 second graders from Candlewood Elementary in Montgomery County, MD on February 27 th This lesson, developed by LCDR Jessica Cole, utilizes guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the proper techniques associated with hand washing, and includes an overview of the PHS, the National Prevention Strategy (NPS), and how each officer contributes toward improving public health through their category and in their agency specific position. Following the introduction, a presentation and discussion was given to show how germs can make you sick and the importance that prevention can play in the development of disease. Next, proper hand washing technique was demonstrated by using the CDC 5 step approach of 1) Wet your hands, 2) Apply soap, 3) Vigorously rubbing your hands together for seconds with particular attention being paid to their nail beds and thumbs, 4) Rinsing your hands for 10 seconds with water, and 5) Dry your hands. This demonstration was then reinforced by using a non-toxic UV reflective lotion (Glogerm ) that acts as a surrogate for germs. By applying this lotion to the hands of officers and illuminating them with a UV pen light, students were able to see how germs can get stuck in between the crevices of their fingerprints and nail beds when only using water to wash your hands. This was then followed up by using the 5 step approach which clearly showed the advantage of using water, soap, and proper technique to get your hands clean. We closed the (PACE, cont d. on p. 18) April Frontline 17

18 COA Branch Activities DC COA Continues Volunteer Service at Capital Area Food Bank Behind Effort of LCDR Fontenelle By CDR Robert A. Windom, USPHS Martin Luther King Jr., on his birthday, January 15, For 34 years CAFB s focus has always been to honor the spirit of Dr. King and volunteerism, and their mandate has been to feed the hungry with dignity, prevent waste, and help partners serve those most in need in the DC metro area. Just last year, CAFB effectively distributed 37.5 million meals with the assistance of their 500 partners. In addition, 21,000 volunteers come out each year to help inspect, clean, sort and track nonperishable food, saving the food bank over $2 million annually in labor costs. LCDR Fontenelle has done a tremendous job at coordinating these events and providing DC COA members with another opportunity to serve. It s a great chance to get involved, give back to the local community, as well as invite family and friends along for the volunteer experience. (Front, L-R CDR Quyhn M. Nguyen, LT Tyann Blessington, LT Thuy M. Nguyen); (Back, L-R LT Ariell Lawrence, LT Samantha Spindel, Mr. Khoa Nguyen, CAPT Donna Hutten, LT Jennifer Pieters, CDR Robert Windom, LCDR Samantha Fontenelle, CDR Jeffrey Shulden) For more information about volunteer opportunities at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) visit F or the past seven years, LCDR Samantha Fontenelle has reached out to the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to organize a Commissioned Corps volunteer activity. Her efforts began in 2007, when she assumed responsibility as the point of contact for the volunteer service event; an outgrowth of her previous volunteer activities with the Capital Area Food Bank and other organizations that work to fight hunger in the Washington, DC area. Initial volunteer efforts were focused on supporting the DC location, and in 2010, LCDR Fontenelle expanded efforts to include Northern VA. Since 2007, she has successfully organized 7 events, which have included participation of more than 100 PHS officers, friends and family members. The Capital Area Food Bank was founded in memory of Dr. (PACE, cont d. from p. 17) lesson by having LCDR Gumapas secretly apply the Glogerm lotion to his hands and place his hand print at different areas of the classroom. We then broke the students into groups and had them use the UV pen lights to find where LCDR Gumapas had placed his hand. This activity was utilized to demonstrate how germs could be spread just by touching things and emphasize the importance of having clean hands. Overall the session was well received and the children were highly engaged, asking many questions about health, disease, and prevention. For more information about the PACE program or this lesson please contact LT John Pesce (john.pesce@nih.gov) or LCDR Leo Angelo Gumapas (leoangelo.gumapas@nih.gov). 18 Commissioned Officers Association

19 COA Branch of the Year Nominations N ominations for the Branch of the Year Award will be accepted from any COA member in good standing. The most likely sources of nominations will be individuals most knowledgeable of Branch activities, e.g. COA Board liaisons, branch officers and agency managers. All nominations must be transmitted electronically to Teresa Hayden Foley, Director of Administration, by to thayden@coausphs.org. Each shall consist of a transmittal letter that summarizes the basis for the nomination and such additional material as is required to support the nomination. The supporting material should reflect activities and accomplishments that are considered deserving of special recognition, (e.g., notable community or facility-based projects, unusual efforts to inform and encourage Branch member participation, successful interactions with other branches, and effective advocacy for commissioned officer interests, etc.). Selection Determinants and Weighting The Awards Committee will consider all material provided with the nomination transmittal letter. The Committee will pay special attention to the size of the Branch relative to its accomplishments. The Committee will give additional weight to accomplishments of Branches that have been in existence five years or less. In considering the merits of the respective nominees, the Awards Committee will give about 50% weighting to a global assessment of Branch esprit, enthusiasm, and the relative impact of Branch activities/ accomplishments as described in the nomination. Examples are: notable community or facility-based projects, successful interfaces with other Branches, effective local and/or national advocacy for commissioned officer interests. Note that the emphasis should be on activities that are completed or substantially underway, rather than planned future activities. Special consideration will be given to Branches that have improved dramatically over past years. In addition, the Awards Committee will give about 50% weighting cumulatively to the following factors: The frequency of Branch meetings. This may include other than face-to-face meetings with adequate description. The degree of participation and scope of topics presented at general meetings of the Branch. The extent to which the Branch participates in the Meeting of the Assembly (e.g., presenting resolutions, participating on committees). * This information is available online at To ensure consideration, nominations must be received by April 18, Stay in touch with COA through our Facebook Page ( w.facebook.com/coausphs) April Frontline 19

20 Semper Paratus. PHS Pharmacists Serving the US Coast Guard Mission with Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty By LCDR Khang Ngo, USPHS hat is it like to be a Public Health Service pharmacy W officer in the US Coast Guard? I was recently given the unique opportunity to complete a temporary duty assignment (TDY) at the USCG Base Seattle to get a glimpse of the tremendous responsibilities of a Coast Guard pharmacist. It was a distinct privilege and an inspiring experience to witness one of the many locations around the world where PHS officers serve our country. The US Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime military force. Today s Coast Guard roles include maritime safety and security, law enforcement, protection of natural resources, management of maritime traffic, commerce and navigation, and national defense. However, the Coast Guard is in many ways a humanitarian service. This is certainly what I observed during my TDY. No matter the duty, the men and women with whom I interacted displayed a sincere desire to help others. Beyond professionalism, I saw first-hand the integrity and genuine commitment to teamwork. It s almost as if being a Coast Guardsman transcends work and extends into a way life. The servicemembers of the Coast Guard embody the core values by which they work and live Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty. It was very evident that these values are engrained in the people and culture of this organization. As impressive and varied as the breadth and depth of the USCG mission, so are the duties of a Coast Guard pharmacist. Although the primary purpose of my TDY was to provide direct patient care in support of pharmacy operations, it was clear that the CG pharmacist is responsible for much more than managing the operations of a base/station clinic pharmacy. In fact, as a Regional Pharmacy Executive (RPE), the CG pharmacy officer s duties include providing collateral duty oversight to all units ashore and afloat (clinics and sickbays) within the RPE s area of responsibility, not to mention formulary management, quality control, logistics, and other duties as deemed necessary to support operational units in the entire district. The CG pharmacist serves to provide healthcare to active duty servicemembers, CG reservists, and other eligible beneficiaries; as educator and subject matter expert; and to provide critical mission support in ensuring medical readiness and deployment health. Semper Paratus, which means Always Ready, is the Coast Guard motto. To be a Coast Guard pharmacist requires a Public Health Service pharmacy officer to fully exemplify the PHS core values of Leadership, Service, Integrity and Excellence. In so doing, the CG pharmacist ensures that the men and women who put their lives in harm s way to protect and defend our maritime interests and who save lives of those in peril are Always Ready. In addition to working in the pharmacy, providing patient care, and consulting with providers and health services technicians, I had the privilege of taking a tour on the USCGC HEALY (WAGB- 20). This massive 420-foot vessel is the largest cutter in the CG fleet. Commissioned in 1999, HEALY is the United States newest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker. HEALY serves in the Arctic, and is designed to conduct a wide range of science and research activities, as well as providing supplies to remote stations. As a Coast Guard cutter, HEALY is also a capable platform for supporting other potential missions in the polar regions, including logistics, search and rescue, ship escort, environmental protection, and enforcement of laws and treaties. From the tour and after speaking with personnel aboard the ship, I came away in full circle with a better understanding of the essential role and functions of a CG pharmacist in providing mission support. And on my last day of TDY, as I briefly studied the history of this honorable service and appreciate its deeply-rooted heritage at the Coast Guard Base Seattle museum, the gentle-souled historian, a retired USCG Captain of 40+ years, let me peek at a rare find in the back of the archives room The United States Public Health Service, publication by RADM Ralph C. Williams, USPHS as presented to VADM Merlin O Neill, the 10 th Commandant of the US Coast Guard, in Reflecting on my TDY experience with the US Coast Guard, it is true then of what has been said many times by our PHS leadership. In serving the various missions of the agencies to which we are detailed, we thereby, as Commissioned Corps officers, proudly advance the US Public Health Service mission to protect, promote and advance the health and safety of our Nation. The United States Public Health Service, publication by RADM Ralph C. Williams, USPHS as presented to VADM Merlin O Neill, the 10 th Commandant of the US Coast Guard, in Commissioned Officers Association

21 INCREASING COA MEMBERSHIP IS OUR #1 PRIORITY! HELP COA GROW AS THE COMMISSIONED CORPS GROWS RECRUIT A NEW/FORMER MEMBER TODAY! April Frontline 21

22 Change of Scenery is Always Good By LCDR Mary Anne Rowen, USPHS or PHS officers, the opportunity to respond to urgent F staffing requests comes about sporadically, and usually there is little time to contemplate. For many us, there are often too many obstacles preventing us from undertaking the task. This fall, a good friend of mine took a temporary assignment to a rural part of southwest Alaska. Iliamna is a village located on the shore of one largest lakes in the United States and the largest lake in Alaska. It is also the site of the hugely controversial Pebble Mine. Knowing LCDR Rick Dehoop it might have crossed his mind that he would finally get some well-deserved fishing opportunities and a little downtime from his duties with Southcentral Foundation's Home Base Services. Southcentral Foundation is part of the Alaska Native Medical Center, located in Anchorage, Alaska. To many people, the city of Anchorage may seem remote, but in actuality it is an all American city and lifeblood to many small and rural communities of Alaska. Outlying areas, such as Iliamna, are often only accessible only by plane and life has many different challenges and unique circumstances. There are few amenities. You may be able to purchase canned or frozen food and a gallon of milk for $14.00, if it s available. This is typical of bush Alaska. Officer Dehoop, a California native, decided that with less than 48 hours of notice, he was going to head out for his adventure. His assignment would last one month. He was required to brink his own food, so he needed to do some quick grocery shopping. He then packed up and flew out. In one hour he arrived in Iliamna, prepared to work at the Southcentral Foundation sub-regional clinic, Nilavena. This sub-regional clinic is responsible for the residents and clinics of Kokhanok, Iiamna, Iguigig, New Halen, Port Alsworth, Pedro Bay, and, Nondalton. Surprisingly, this clinic, nestled in the Alaska wilderness had all the essential commodities of a highly functioning health care facility-with radiology equipment, trauma rooms and a laboratory. Dehoop managed many of the day to day functions of rooming patents, giving flu vaccines and specimen handling. His duties were a mixture of emergency nursing and primary care nursing, but he found himself providing continual, ongoing after hour clinic support. Other duties often involved taking calls from the health aids assigned to local clinics. His ER background came in handy when he needed to help stabilize a trauma victim being transported to Anchorage. He was required to help with errands such as going to the post-office, airport and of course, taking the trash to the dump. Fortunately, he was able to squeeze in one good day of fishing! One special aspect of this assignment was the warm welcome he received by clinic staff, along with the sharing of traditional, native foods. It was interesting to see the home setting of individuals that he had seen previously as patients in the ER in Anchorage. Experiencing native culture in this capacity is such an enriching experience, but being without cell service was an adjustment! In the end, Rick was happy to be home, but grateful for this opportunity. Thank you, Rick, for rising to the occasion of helping a community in needed. You ve set a great example for the rest of us! 22 Commissioned Officers Association

23 (Curry, cont d. from p. 1) prior to that as the director of federal relations at the National Association of State Treasurers. Colonel Currie also worked as a staff member in the U.S. Senate. He is the author of three books and 25 articles. Colonel Currie was the unanimous choice of the search committee after an exhaustive review of some fifty applicants for the position. He is one of the few applicants meeting all three of the most important criteria identified by the association and foundation boards: uniformed service experience, demonstrated leadership, and success in managing organizations. He has a rich background of accomplishment and possesses the skills necessary to lead COA and COF to continued success in the years ahead. Currie said that he is honored by his selection to become the Executive Director for the Association and Foundation. It will be the culmination of my career, he said. I am excited about the opportunity to represent the incredible officers of the U.S. Public Health Service--active and retired--and to furthering the goals of the association and the foundation. Jerry Farrell will be an extremely tough act to follow, as he has been everything you would want in an executive director. Colonel Currie will replace Farrell who has served as COA/COF Executive Director since Colonel Currie will begin work on 1 April. He is COA s fourth Executive Director since the Association was incorporated in Frequently Asked Questions COA staff gets asked lots of questions about a variety of subjects by our members and even by PHS officers who are not members. To help facilitate communications with our members, we ve updated the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Quicklink on the left side of the COA website homepage ( We ve gone from five FAQs to 30. If you ve got an urgent burning question for COA staff, odds are it s been asked before. We urge you to visit the FAQ site before you call or . April Frontline 23

24 From the Executive Director, from p. 1 many as ten Senate Democrats are thought to be prepared to vote against the nomination. Presuming almost all Senate Republicans will vote no, that is enough to deny confirmation. Writing this column last month, I opined that, in light of the nuclear option change to Senate rules imposed by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, last year, I expected Dr. Murthy to be confirmed sooner rather than later. So much for that crystal ball. The question now is whether or not the Senate will ever vote on the nomination. As we wait for the drama to unfold further, we can only be the more grateful for the strong leadership provided by RADM Boris Lushniak not just for the Corps, but for public health in general. The NRA s vigorous opposition to Dr. Murthy underscores, in a subtle sort of way, the real and potential importance of the Office of Surgeon General. The NRA would not so oppose the nomination if they did not think the Surgeon General could cause real damage to their cause. Placing this in the context of publicity surrounding the 50 th Anniversary of Surgeon General Luther Terry s Report on Smoking and Health and the impact that report had on the tobacco industry in this country and around the world, I can understand why the NRA would be worried. All Good Things Must Come to an End And so it is for me as COA s and COF s Executive Director. This is my last column in Frontline. Jim Currie will introduce himself in this spot next month. For those of you who have been faithful readers for the last 12 years (shout out to Karen!) thank you for your interest and support and yes, even for your critiques. You can t do better if you don t know where you need to improve. I have been receiving many expressions of appreciation and thanks for my work over the last 12 years and I am humbled by and grateful for them all. But it is really me who has to thank you Association members, Foundation donors, committee members, boards for the opportunity you have given me. This has been a tremendously satisfying experience for me both professionally and personally. In 2001, I was looking for work about which I would feel some passion. Serving as an advocate for the PHS Commissioned Corps has more than fulfilled that need. I have developed a deep respect and admiration for the work our members do in protecting public health, the most fundamental component of national security. Telling your story has been a great privilege. Getting to know our members has been a personal delight for both me and my wife, Sherry. A little over one year ago after the passing of Surgeon General Koop, I wrote in the March, 2013 Frontline that Two things about my work as COA and COF Executive Director stand out above all others as highlights. One I will save for later. The other was the extraordinary privilege of meeting and getting to know just a little bit, Dr. C. Everett Koop. As I step aside, the time has come to reveal that other highlight. I first met Rear Admiral Jerry Michael in October, 2001 when I interviewed with the search committee for the job of COA/COF Executive Director and Admiral Michael was a committee member. When my turn came to ask a question of the committee, I inquired why they were interested in a retired naval officer for the job. There was long pause before Admiral Michael replied that the Association and Foundation believed that the future of the Commissioned Corps hinged on its identity as a uniformed service. He went on to say that the Corps had lost that identity over time and the boards sought an executive director who understood uniformed service culture and who could help the uniformed Corps find its way forward. That answer is the only part of the interview I really remember. And like the answer he gave, I will never forget Jerry Michael. Like Dr. Koop, Jerry Michael is someone I call a lion of public health. He has recruited more officers into the PHS Commissioned Corps than I can possibly name, including his daughterin-law, and the current president of the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation. His achievements and accomplishments as a PHS officer and then as Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Hawaii for many years are numerous and extraordinary. And the fact that he began his career in public health as a Navy Corpsman in World War II helped to create a bond between two former Sailors. Jerry Michael became a mentor to me, and, more importantly, Jerry and his wife, Lynn, have become close friends for me and my wife. Jerry and Lynn Michael are remarkable people and COA and COF are fortunate to have them as engaged, generous supporters of all that we do. Jerry and Lynn represent for me, the absolute best part of this job and that is you, the members whom I have come to love as I tried my best to serve your interests. As much as I look forward to retirement, it is not easy to leave you. Also not so easy to leave the great COA/COF staff. We are a small, but tight knit group and the staff is dedicated to our members and donors. A special thanks to Deputy Executive Director John McElligott; our longest-serving employee and mainstay of the office, Director of Administration and Finance, Teresa Foley; Government Relations Director, Judy Rensberger; Membership Coordinator and Frontline Editor, Malissa Spalding; Program Assistant, Donna Sparrow; and our newest employee, Administrative Assistant, Erica Robinson. I get a lot of credit for COA/COF accomplishments, but as any leader worth his or her salt knows, I stand on the shoulders of this great staff and bask in the sunshine of the work they do. Money Talks, Speak Loudly Last month I urged you to help with increasing COA s membership. My last appeal is for you to be generous supporters of the Foundation. I will continue to support the Foundation financially and I urge you to join me in so doing. If a Navy guy can help support a PHS Commissioned Corps Foundation, then PHS officers ought to be able to do so, too. Finally, I look forward to seeing you all in Raleigh from June for the annual Symposium. I hope to personally thank as many of you as possible for the support and trust you have placed (Executive Director, cont d. on p. 25) 24 Commissioned Officers Association

25 From the Executive Director, from p. 24 in me for the past 12 years. Aside from marrying the love of my life and helping her to raise two great kids, nothing I have done in my life has been as important or as meaningful to me as my work for you. With great affection and respect, I am, Yours Aye Always, (Friedan, cont d. from p. 1) have responded to over 750 disease outbreaks, environmental emergencies and other public health threats, in just the last two years. Dr. Frieden has intensified the agency s 24/7 work to save lives and protect people by: establishing more effective responses to outbreaks and other health threats at state, local and global levels, including the global effort to eradicate polio forever; preventing infections from food and in health care facilities with new programs and guidance; helping Americans to quit smoking, reduce childhood obesity, prevent diabetes, and save teens and others lives from car crashes through focused programs, and, extending life-saving treatment, disease prevention and infection control in more than 50 countries to save lives globally and protect Americans from health threats outside our borders. Immediately upon his appointment as Director in 2009, Dr. Frieden led the nation s response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus pandemic. CDC s response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic response was complex, multi-faceted and long-term, lasting more than a year. That it was successful can be attributed to Dr. Frieden s insistence on rapid communication of information and frequent updates as events unfolded. Through his leadership other significant achievements were accomplished in healthcare. He prioritized CDC s efforts to reduce infections in healthcare settings, cutting some life-threatening infections by a third or more. Furthermore, a huge proponent of health information distribution, he created CDC s Vital Signs, a monthly clear-language publication, pointing out today s most critical health problems, and guiding the public health community and clinical providers to actionable solutions. In addition to progress in these areas, his long-time antismoking advocacy continues at CDC, through his support of the efforts of the Office on Smoking and Health. Previously, during his tenure as New York City Health Commissioner, his campaigns reduced the number of smokers by 350,000 and teen smoking decreased by half. At CDC, he launched the firstever national paid anti-tobacco media campaign, CDC s Tips from Former Smokers. In 2012 alone the program encouraged more than 100,000 smokers to quit for good, saving money and preventing tens of thousands of deaths. COA members may remember the late Terrie Hall, a North Carolina resident who was featured in the Tips ads her video was the highest impact ad CDC has ever produced with 2.5 million views. In remembering her, Dr. Frieden noted She probably saved more lives than most doctors will save in their entire career. From the perspective of the Commissioned Corps, Dr. Frieden is prominent in his support and commitment to the officers assigned to CDC. He has frequently noted in his discussions with executive officials at DHHS that he could not successfully implement CDC s programs if it were not for the Commissioned Corps. He has assigned one of his executive team to be in constant communication with CDC officers and to provide guidance on day to day matters that affect these officers and their families. He frequently attends Commissioned Corps functions (promotions and town hall meetings) and is acknowledged by the Atlanta COA Branch as a friend of the Corps. During his tenure, the Commissioned Corps strength has increased by 7% to 960 officers; this following a period where more officers were leaving CDC than being assigned to CDC. The Health Leader of the Year Award was established in 1987 to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the health of the nation. Past awardees have included Surgeons General Koop and Carmona; and Senators Bill Frist, John Warner, Tim Hutchinson, Daniel Inouye and Jeff Bingaman. Dr. Friedan is the fourth CDC director to receive the award, joining Dr. William Roper, Dr. Julie Gerberding, and Dr. William Foege. April Frontline 25

26 (Legislative Update, cont d. from p. 2) Policy Action Group Needs You All politics is local, the late House Speaker Tip O Neil famously said, and that is the basic idea behind the Policy Action Group. COA s bare-bones national staff, guided by the COA Board s Legislation and Benefits Committee, focuses on legislative priorities and developing productive relationships on Capitol Hill. But we are not truly constituents in the way that PHS retirees are, and our efforts are seldom informed by state or local needs and contexts. With 435 Congressional Districts in the United States, our Policy Action Group has a long way to go. Take my own 6 th Congressional District in Maryland, for example. The district was redrawn, the Republican incumbent was defeated, and the Democratic Party s establishment choice was rejected by voters in favor of a political newcomer. In the process, Policy Action Group volunteer CAPT Rich Potter (Ret.) found himself in Maryland s reconfigured 8 th Congressional District, leaving the 6 th uncovered, for our purposes, except by me. So I am looking for a PHS retiree and COA member to join me in team visits to district offices of U.S. Rep. John Delaney, who has won praise for his bipartisanship and effectiveness. PHS has a significant active-duty presence at Ft. Detrick, in Frederick City, and a number of PHS retirees living in rural Frederick County. Do I hear volunteers? If interested, me jrensberger@coausphs.org. Judy Rensberger Welcome New COA Members LT Audlandra J. Aaron-Magee, Unaffiliated LCDR Reasol Agustin, Unaffiliated LT Laura L. Alexander, Unaffiliated LTJG Dion P. Baker, Unaffiliated LT Abbas Q. Banoukwala, Unaffiliated LT Marie F. Bastin, Unaffiliated LT Andrew R. Bernard, Unaffiliated LT Eileen T. Bosso, Atlanta LT Yen-Anh T. Bui, Unaffiliated LT Kenneth Chen, Unaffiliated LT Emily W. Cook, Unaffiliated LT James R. Corliss, Unaffiliated LT Anne M. Fejka, District of Columbia LT Charlotte A. Francia, Unaffiliated CDR Eric S. Halsey, Unaffiliated LT Temika Hardy-Lovelock, Unaffiliated LT Ashley W. Hartsell, Unaffiliated LT Michelle L. Hohensee, Unaffiliated LT Corwin D. Howard, Unaffiliated LT Taran Jeffries, Unaffiliated LT James Jones, IV, Unaffiliated LTJG Mark A. Jones, Unaffiliated LCDR Juliane B. Kim, Unaffiliated LT Julie A. Nelson, Unaffiliated LTJG Tuan A. Nguyen, Unaffiliated LTJG Renee S. Owusu, Unaffiliated LT Katie M. Palmer, Unaffiliated LT Nicole R. Pascua, Unaffiliated LTJG Aaron Patterson, Unaffiliated LTJG Kelsey A. Quealy, Unaffiliated LCDR Christian B. Rathke, Tidewater LT Susan Rhee, District of Columbia LTJG Melissa G. Seaton, Unaffiliated LCDR Micah J. Sickel, Unaffiliated LT Venus Uttchin, Unaffiliated LTJG Anthony W. Valloric, Unaffiliated LT Michelle Williams, District of Columbia LT Phillip A. Williams, Unaffiliated LT Shondelle M. Wilson-Frederick, Unaffiliated GO GREEN by Opting-Out of your hard copy of the Frontline mailing online at COA s Members Only website Commissioned Officers Association

27 Holshoe to Present at APNA 12th Annual Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute provides "in-services and training to tenant commands on sleep, stress reduction, and issues in behavioral health." Interested in learning more about sleep and antidepressants by attending Holshoe's presentation at CPI? Register for CPI here. There are many misconceptions about antidepressants and sleep," says Joseph Holshoe, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a Commander in the US Public Health Service and a Behavioral Health Consultant at the Naval health Center New England. "Many 'sedating' antidepressants disrupt and impair sleep and the sedating effects we desire may come from broken and ineffective sleep architecture. More and more research points to the essential and vital nature of adequate sleep - and many of the medications we prescribe effect sleep adversely. Holshoe will be presenting on the topic this June at the APNA 12th Annual Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute in Reston, Virginia. His session, entitled Sleep and Antidepressants: Lessons from Research Literature and Clinical Practice, will be packed with useful information on treatments for persons with sleep disturbances and depression. "The goal of this lecture is to explore the research on antidepressants and sleep, differentiate between sedation and restful sleep, address common perceptions and misperceptions of the effects of antidepressants and sleep, and review strategies for enhancing sleep with selective use of antidepressants," he explains. Ultimately, he hopes that attendees will walk away with an understanding of how "we can better manage sleep and antidepressant therapy." It promises to be a valuable and enjoyable session - as a presenter at the APNA 27th Annual Conference this past October, he earned rave reviews. Comments about his session were liberally peppered with adjectives such as "dynamic", "knowledgeable," engaging", and "enthusiastic". As one attendee remarked, "This speaker was amazing. He had an excellent command of his field, connected well with participants and had tremendous presentation skills." As for what he does when he is not presenting at APNA conferences, he works in Newport, Rhode Island: "I currently serve as psychiatric and behavioral health consultant to the Primary Care Clinic in a developing Medical Homeport Program," he says. "I provide behavioral health and psychiatric consultation services to primary care providers, including diagnostics and treatment modalities; as well as direct patient care services, brief psychiatric interventions and therapies, behavioral health guidance and training, and medication management to active-duty service members, dependents, and retirees." And on top of all of that, he also Attention COA Members & Local Branches National COA thanks you for devoting your time and efforts involved in submissions for COA Frontline publications. Please note that for all submissions for Frontline publication, the required Guidelines are available at Members Only, Quicklink/Frontline. For Local Branches requesting inclusion of an advertisement in Frontline, please be sure to provide the advertisement in PDF format, in adherence with the 15th day of the month deadline. April Frontline 27

28 The COA Frontline (ISSN ) is published monthly except a combined issue January/February and July/August by the Commissioned Officers Association of the United States Public Health Service, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785, (301) ; Toll-Free: (866) ; Fax: (301) ; Periodicals Postage Paid at Hyattsville, MD and additional mailing offices. COA Frontline 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Landover, MD POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COA Frontline c/o Commissioned Officers Association, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Landover, MD A report of timely information concerning activities of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Distributed exclusively to Association Members. Executive Director Jerry Farrell gfarrell@coausphs.org Deputy Executive Director John McElligott jmcelligott@coausphs.org Director of Administration Teresa Hayden Foley thayden@coausphs.org Government Relations Director Judith Rensberger jrensberger@coausphs.org Program Assistant Donna Sparrow dsparrow@coausphs.org Administrative Assistant Erica Robinson erobinson@coausphs.org Conference Planners Leading Edge Solutions Tim O Neil/Diana Hallman (866) Group Insurance - AGIA (888) Membership Coordinator/ Frontline Editor Malissa Spalding mspalding@coausphs.org visit us: Commissioned Officers Association REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 2014 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium June 10-12, 2014 to be held in Raleigh, NC