Public Health Service Physician’s Journey from Ebola Response to Reprimand Spurs Fight for Justice

A decorated physician in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) is seeking justice after being reprimanded and denied promotion due to administrative readiness lapses that occurred while he was serving in a civilian residency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioned since 2012, the officer began his career as a pharmacist before attending medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). His service includes deployment to Liberia during the West African Ebola outbreak, where he contributed to the nation’s public health mission on the front lines of a global crisis. After graduating from medical school in 2020, he completed a rigorous three-year Family Medicine residency, all while the world faced the strain of a pandemic.

Despite his unwavering commitment, 2023 brought a blow: the Commissioned Corps issued a Letter of Reprimand (LOR) citing failure to maintain readiness requirements. The reprimand was based on administrative errors, missed documentation uploads, not actual medical or physical shortcomings. At the time, the officer was in a non-deployable, civilian training program, under the belief that readiness standards did not apply during residency.

“That period was one of the most intense and formative chapters of my life,” said the physician. “I was balancing pandemic care, 80-hour weeks, and professional growth, believing I was doing everything expected of me to become a better provider for underserved communities.”

Now a board-certified Family Medicine doctor working with the Indian Health Service, he faces long-term career consequences. Because of the reprimand, he was removed from promotion eligibility through 2027 and threatened with involuntary separation unless he resigned. Resignation would trigger a penalty under his Commissioned Service Obligation, costing him an estimated 1 million dollars.

His request for correction, now under review by the Board for Correction of USPHS Records, seeks to remove the reprimand, restore promotion eligibility, and grant back pay. The argument is clear: USPHS policy does not apply readiness standards to officers in training, and the reprimand represents both a legal error and a deep injustice.

Represented by Senior Military Attorney Annie Morgan of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, the physician has laid out a strong case for administrative relief, supported by internal correspondence, legal precedent, and a consistent record of exemplary service.

“This isn’t about evading responsibility, it’s about recognizing when rules are misapplied and good service members are unfairly penalized,” said the officer. “I’m still here, still serving, and still committed. I just want the chance to do so without this shadow over my record.”

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., is nationally recognized for representing military and federal personnel in correction of records, promotion denials, discharge upgrades, and other matters of military justice and administrative law.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes vary based on specific facts and legal circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon Advocates for Amendment to SB93 to Expand Tax Benefits for Uniformed Services Retirees

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon Advocates for Fair Tax Treatment of All Uniformed Service Retirees in Montana

Washington, D.C. – The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, a leading firm in military and veteran legal advocacy, is actively supporting an amendment to Montana Senate Bill 93 (SB93) to ensure that all uniformed service retirees, including those from the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps, receive equitable tax benefits.

Currently, SB93 provides a partial tax exemption on retirement income for military retirees who meet specific residency requirements. However, the bill excludes retired members of the USPHS and NOAA Corps, despite their official classification as part of the United States Uniformed Services under 10 U.S.C. 101.

Proposed Amendment to SB93

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is advocating for a critical amendment to:

Expand eligibility to include all uniformed services as defined by federal law.

Modify SB93’s language to reflect the full scope of eligible retirees, including USPHS and NOAA Corps personnel.

Remove the five-year limitation and extend the benefits permanently beyond 2033.

Why This Matters

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) has served Montana and the nation for over a century, leading public health initiatives, emergency responses, and critical healthcare services—especially in underserved communities. Despite this, USPHS retirees remain excluded from Montana’s proposed tax relief, even though they receive the same pay and benefits as their military counterparts.

Montana residents can take action now by urging their legislators to support the amendment. A one-page fact sheet with key details about SB93’s requested changes is available.

How You Can Help

✔ Contact Montana state legislators and request their support for the SB93 amendment.
✔ Use our pre-drafted email template to easily reach out to your representatives [insert link].
✔ Spread the word on social media using #SB93 and tagging relevant policymakers.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon is a nationally recognized firm specializing in military law, veterans’ rights, and administrative advocacy. With decades of experience fighting for service members and their families, our firm remains committed to securing justice and fair treatment for those who have served.

For media inquiries or legal assistance, please contact:

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
MilitaryDefense.com
202-546-9575

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this press release is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. Service members facing legal or administrative challenges should consult with a qualified attorney who is experienced in military law to receive guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.