The Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award

The Medical Laboratory Science Professional Advisory Group (MLSPAG) established the MLSPAG Junior Officer of the Year Award in 2006 and the Senior Officer of the Year Award in 2015. They are presented to the Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service who are recognized for outstanding leadership, exceptional clinical contributions, and/or exemplary service and accomplishments, which positively impact the Commissioned Corps and the medical laboratory science profession. The awards will be presented at the Commissioned Officers Association’s annual meeting.

Eligibility

Any active duty MLS officer O5 and above may self-nominate or be nominated for the Senior Officer of the Year Award. Any active duty MLS officer O4 and below may self-nominate or be nominated for the Junior Officer of the Year Award. Only one nominee will be chosen each calendar year for the Senior/Junior Officer of the Year Award. Members of the MLSPAG Awards Subcommittee are not eligible. All nominees must have a minimum of 1 year of active duty service with the Corps by the nomination deadline.

Narrative: Include the following four criteria areas in narrative form. 

Impact in public health:

The candidate has demonstrated noteworthy contributions to public health. The impact can be on either a national or local population.

Responsibilities:

The candidate has shown contributions or accomplishments that are above and beyond their usual duties and responsibilities per their billet or job description.

Leadership:

The candidate demonstrates exemplary leadership in the achievement/contribution being cited. This leadership demonstrates an ability to motivate others towards the attainment of goals, and/or demonstrates vision by developing new programs, work initiatives or projects. Leadership can include mentoring.

Professionalism:

The candidate demonstrates value to PHS/Category as evidenced by such things as professional organizations, demonstrated clinical or administrative contributions, and involvement in PAC/PAG workgroup, committee, and/or subcommittee or community engagement or volunteer activities.

All nominees must meet the Basic level of force readiness. Please provide a screenshot showing current Basic Readiness compliance from RedDOG Self-Service System. 

Nomination Procedure:

• Professional colleagues may nominate an eligible officer. Self-nominations will be accepted.
• Applications must be received no later than COB February 15.
• Completed nomination packages as a PDF to include (Cover letter, Narrative, & Basic Readiness screenshot) are to be submitted to the MLSPAG Awards via e-mail MLSPAGAWARDS@gmail.com Incomplete packets will not be reviewed.                                                           

Evaluation and Selection:

The MLSPAG Awards Subcommittee will review and rank the nominations. The winner will be announced during the Spring of that year. The award will be presented at the annual COA meeting.

Past awardees

Junior MLS Officer of the year                        Senior MLS Officer of the year