PHS Pharmacy, the First 75 Years

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The Public Health Service is one of the oldest service agencies of the United States. For much of the history of the PHS pharmacists were trained through apprenticeships. It was not until 1897 that graduation from a pharmacy program became a requirement for appointment. Prior to 1918, pharmacy services in PHS hospitals were provided through contract services or by Federal civilian employees. In 1918, a reserve corps composed of pharmacists, dentists and engineers were commissioned to serve with physicians in the PHS.

While the authority existed to commission pharmacists in the reserve corps, it was not until 1930 that pharmacists were actually commissioned. In 1930, the Parker Act allowed pharmacists to be appointed into the regular corps of the PHS Commissioned Corps, with promotions available up to the grade corresponding to that of Lieutenant.

At that time, ten civil service pharmacists were commissioned to the grade of Assistant Pharmacist (equivalent to Lieutenant). The first two PHS pharmacist commissions occurred on July 23, 1930 and the other eight pharmacists were commissioned on September 5, 1930.

Throughout the history of the Pharmacy Category, twelve pharmacists have served as Pharmacy Liasion Officer, Chief Pharmacist Officer, or Pharmacy Flag Officers.

In 2005, we are proud to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Pharmacy Category. Currently, there are over 900 active duty Corps pharmacists and many civilian pharmacists.

- RADM (Retired) Robert Pittman