How to Return to FDA Civilian From PHS

Public health employees can return to civilian status after time spent in uniform.

Professionals in the U.S. Public Health Service corps combine their quality training with public relations skills to promote disease prevention. These uniformed officers serve under the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and many are recruited directly from service in the Food and Drug Administration. PHS employees are stationed around country and in U.S. territorities, and after years of travel and work in the public eye, it is possible to return to FDA civilian status.

Instructions

1. Complete 20 years in the Public Health Service commissioned corps. Any period of service less than 20 years may result in forfeiture in retirement benefits or a reduced pension.

2. Notify your superior officer of your intent to retire or leave the Public Health Service. Your superior should give you information or direct you to the proper source for completing necessary paperwork relevant to your position and present or future benefits. This formal step also allows you to secure a reference for when you apply for a civilian position with the Food and Drug Administration.

3. Search the latest FDA job postings online. Use your PHS experience to your advantage, as previous government service is given addtional weight in the application process. Also, your eligibility for reinstatement at the FDA entitles you to try for positions open only to internal candidates.

4. Secure a position with the FDA and complete all necessary retirement or resignation paperwork with PHS.

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: What is the Commissioned Corps?
• USA Jobs Working for America: Federal Employment Information Fact Sheets -- Reinstatement Eligibility

Resources

• USA Jobs Working for America: Food and Drug Administration