More short-term volunteer staffing for public health: an independent policy statement.

This paper is an independent policy statement recommending more short-term volunteer staffing for the US Public Health Service. I propose a Public Health survey of all physicians to determine their willingness to serve short-term, so that those available can be mobilized. Public Health should redirect its recruitment efforts, eliminate bureaucratic hindrances, develop a cadre of generalists and specialists, and designate appropriate organizations that can incorporate existing medical personnel.