CDR Matthew Tarosky
109 Goucher Terrace
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
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The Pharmacy Category of the USPHS Commissioned Corps has a rich history. For much of the history of the
USPHS, pharmacists, also known as stewards, were trained through apprenticeships. It was not until 1897
that graduation from a pharmacy program became a requirement for appointment for those performing
pharmaceutical activities in the Service. Prior to 1918, pharmacy services in USPHS hospitals were provided
through contract services or by Federal civilian employees. In 1918, a reserve corps composed of pharmacists,
dentists, and engineers was commissioned to serve with physicians in the USPHS. 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 USPHS Commissioned
Corps, with promotions available up the rank of Lieutenant. The first two pharmacists to be commissioned on
23 July 1930 were Edgar B. Scott and Edwin M. Holt. Later that same year, eight other pharmacists were commissioned
on 5 September 1930. Today, over 900 active-duty pharmacists are in the Pharmacy Category. |
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