I currently work for USPHS and some information mentioned is accurate but the rest aren't. First, I love it and it was one of the best decisions I made. You are not mandated to go anywhere like the other military branches. You choose where you go unless a specific agency like Indian Health Clinic or the Bureau of Prison gave you a bonus. If you accept it, the committment is usually for a couple years then you can transfer out. You are not mandated to go to places like Latin America. Everyone is assignedle to a deployment team so if a natural disaster occurs during your month and you are selected, you can opt to not go if your job needs you to stay like if you are the only physician available. It's not as strict as the military.
There are officers who have been in the Corp for over 10 years and have never left the country. The benefits are amazing, the lifestyle is great. You are able to spend a lot of time with your family because most officers are off on Federal holidays and weekends and you also get 30 days paid vacation and can carry up to 60 days over. You don't pay for healthcare or dental. There is a non-contributory pension meaning if you remain in the Corp for up to 20 yrs, you receive 50% of your base pay as pension for life and if you are there for up to 30yrs, you receive 75% of your base pay as pension for life.
There are numerous agencies within USPHS that physicians can work. If you are interested, you can check out:
www.usphs.gov
Best wishes and if you have any question, please let me know,