On April 23, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced a formal solicitation for nominations to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This call seeks highly qualified individuals to contribute to the nation's premier independent panel of experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. Nominations must be submitted electronically by May 23, 2026, with selected appointees slated to begin their four-year terms in July 2026.
The USPSTF plays a pivotal role in U.S. healthcare by evaluating the effectiveness of clinical preventive services and issuing evidence-based recommendations that guide clinicians, health systems, and policymakers. Established in 1984 under the auspices of the U.S. Public Health Service, the Task Force operates with ongoing scientific and administrative support from AHRQ, as mandated by Title IX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299(b)). Its work directly contributes to enhancing the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of healthcare services and access across the country.
The Mission and Work of the USPSTF
The USPSTF's core mission is to improve the health of all Americans by making rigorous, evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive services. These services encompass a wide range of interventions, including screening tests, counseling services, and preventive medications, for both adults and children. Members are appointed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and are charged with rigorously evaluating scientific evidence to formulate or update these critical recommendations.
Members of the USPSTF engage in a demanding schedule that extends beyond their three annual two-day meetings, typically held in the Washington D.C. area or virtually. Duties include prioritizing topics for review, designing research plans, meticulously reviewing systematic evidence reports, engaging in robust discussions to reach consensus on recommendations, and drafting final recommendation documents. Members also participate in workgroups focused on specific topics and methodologies, requiring significant time for email communications and video conferences. AHRQ estimates that members dedicate approximately 250 hours annually to their volunteer duties outside of in-person meetings, with travel support provided for attendance.
Desired Expertise and Qualification Requirements
AHRQ emphasizes the need for a diverse array of expertise among USPSTF members. Ideal candidates possess a strong background in critically evaluating research published in peer-reviewed literature, deep knowledge of clinical prevention and health promotion in primary care and specialty settings, and practical experience in implementing evidence-based recommendations at various levels of care. Additionally, the Task Force benefits significantly from individuals with expertise in public health, the application of science to health policy, and the effective communication of scientific findings to diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public.
The agency is specifically seeking physician specialists in fields such as anesthesiology/pain management, cardiology, endocrinology, family medicine, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, radiology, and health economics. Nominations from physicians in other relevant specialties, including surgery, laboratory medicine/molecular pathology, and clinical genetics, are also welcomed. Furthermore, AHRQ aims to achieve wide geographic representation and seeks individuals with experience in diverse practice settings, including those with expertise in rural medicine.
Nomination Process and Conflict of Interest Provisions
Individuals can nominate themselves, and organizations or other individuals may nominate qualified candidates. Electronic submissions are mandatory and must include the applicant's current curriculum vitae with contact information, along with a letter detailing how the nominee meets the qualification requirements and would contribute to the USPSTF. The letter must also attest to the nominee's willingness to serve.
A critical component of the selection process involves ensuring the scientific integrity of the USPSTF's work. Consequently, applicants must have no substantial financial, professional, or intellectual conflicts of interest that could impair their objectivity. Those under serious consideration will be required to provide detailed information on financial holdings, consultancies, non-financial scientific interests, and research grants or contracts to facilitate a thorough evaluation of potential conflicts.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing process of refreshing the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force underscores the continuous evolution of medical science and public health needs. The selection of new members will be crucial in maintaining the Task Force's capacity to provide timely, relevant, and unbiased recommendations that profoundly impact health outcomes nationwide. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, the expertise and dedication of these volunteer members will remain indispensable in guiding preventive care strategies for years to come. Their work helps to ensure that healthcare decisions are grounded in the most robust scientific evidence available.
