The Physician Professional Advisory Committee (PPAC) is seeking motivated Commissioned Corps and civil service physicians who are interested in serving as members on this advisory panel.

The mission of the PPAC is to provide advice and consultation to the Surgeon General on issues related to the professional practice and personnel activities of the Medical Category. Another particularly important role of the PPAC is to provide PHS-related information and mentorship to medical officers. PPAC members are expected to mentor PHS medical officers and to actively participate in the activities of at least one subcommittee during the 3-year term of service.

The PPAC currently meets every other month. Travel is not required for membership, and conference calling capability is available for all meetings. Regular attendance at meetings is expected.

At least seven (7) full-voting membership positions will be available as of January 1, 2014. The PPAC seeks to represent a cross section of the activities and interests of all DHHS physicians; membership is open to all physicians employed in the Department of Health and Human Services’ Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and Staff Divisions, as well as Commissioned Corps officers in the medical category detailed to other governmental or private entities. Commissioned Corps officers or civil service physicians who are interested are encouraged to self-nominate. The PPAC will recommend successful candidates to the Surgeon General for a 3-year appointment, with the concurrence of the candidate’s supervisor and agency liaison.

By August 15, 2013, the candidate must submit a CV, a nomination statement (see below), and a letter from his or her supervisor which demonstrates supervisor support for the nomination.

The nomination statement should be no more than 500 words and should respond to the following questions:

1. Please describe your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Medical Category and highlight any particular interests or concerns that motivate you to become a voting PPAC member. Questions to consider in your response include: What contributions would you like to make during your term as a voting member? What particular subcommittee(s) interest you and why?
2. What skills, attributes, experiences, talents and qualities would you bring to PPAC service? How could those benefit the PPAC? What do you have to offer other medical officers as a mentor? Please discuss any prior experiences you have had providing formal or informal mentorship within or outside the PHS.
3. Please write about your current or past PPAC participation and accomplishments. Specifically describe your roles and impact on any PPAC subcommittees (and have the relevant subcommittee chair[s] concur by email to the membership subcommittee chair). Cite the dates of PPAC meetings that you attended in the 12 months prior to the nomination date. If you have been an affiliate member, state the dates of your affiliate membership.
4. Briefly mention other activities that demonstrate your officership and commitment to the Commissioned Corps (if applicable).

For more information about the PPAC and for additional information regarding requirements for and selection of voting membership, please visit the website at http://usphs-ppac.net/. For further questions, you may contact the PPAC Membership Subcommittee co-chairs subcommittee co-chairs: CDR Ezra Barzilay (EBarzilay@cdc.gov) or CDR Dana Thomas (DThomas6@cdc.gov).

The CV, nomination statement, and supervisory concurrence should be sent as Word attachments to an e-mail message by August 15, 2013 to CDR Ezra Barzilay (EBarzilay@cdc.gov). (Please note: if you are promoted after submission of your nomination and before October 15, 2013, please send an email to the address below so that your file can be updated.)