Welcome to the
Dietitian Professional Advisory Committee
The service of dietitians in the United States Public Health Service dates back to the year 1919. During that year, the first dietetic section was organized in the PHS Division of Hospitals which operated a medical care program for American seamen. These hospitals were primarily located in port cities with in-patient capacities ranging from about 100 to 1,000 beds.
Today PHS dietitians may serve in either the Commissioned Corps or the Civil Service personnel system. Presently, there are approximately 100 Commissioned Officers and over 400 Civil Service dietitians serving in the PHS. Regardless of the assignment, their competence and skills are well utilized in advancing the objectives of the organizations they serve.
Dietitians serve in a variety of government agencies such as: Bureau of Prisons, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Defense, Food and Drug Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Dietitians serving in these organizations are involved in diverse areas including research, clinical nutrition, food service administration, program planning and evaluation, health facility inspections, regulatory oversight and public health nutrition. In addition, dietitians are prepared and ready to respond to emergency situations, such as the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks, Anthrax Attacks, Haiti Earthquake, and other natural disasters or unforeseen incidents.
As science continues to substantiate the importance of food and nutrition in relation to health, dietitians will play an even greater role in the continuing history of the profession in the United States Public Health Service.
PHS dietitians proudly serving under the flag of the United States Public Health Service have made, and will continue to make, major contributions to the health of the nation.
Diet PAC Executive Officers:
Chief Professional Officer

CAPT Suzan Gordon
Diet PAC Subcommittees:
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