Category: VA

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), essentially the same disease, are the most common adult form of leukemia. Over 13,000 Veterans have this diagnosis, which is associated with the toxic exposures included in the PACT ACT.  Here is one Veteran’s experience at Minneapolis VA as told to me, a VA physician, geriatrics educator and…

You already know that VA offers a number of employment benefits that make us an excellent place to work (so good, in fact, we’re one of the top five Best Places to Work in the Federal Government). With things like extensive paid leave, federal health insurance programs and an unmatched retirement system, we’ll set you…

American Corporate Partners (ACP) connects post-9/11 Veterans with corporate professionals for customized career guidance. Veterans find meaningful employment outcomes, whether a higher-paying job or a promotion. The average starting annual salary for Veterans who use ACP is $93,000. The program helps Veterans find great jobs the first time. ACP is a national non-profit organization dedicated…

The idea of slowing down amidst a busy schedule can feel overwhelming. However, sometimes during all the busy-ness, slowing down and taking time for ourselves to take stock on how we are doing can be beneficial. One way of slowing down can actually be through movement, especially slower mindful movement practices. Moving the body can…

Dr. Shakaib Rehman, associate chief of staff for education at Phoenix VA, was recognized with the Dr. Karen M. Sanders Designated Education Officer (DEO) of the Year Award at VA’s DEO Conference in Chicago. Rehman is an exceptional champion for health professions education within and outside of VA, known for strengthening VA’s relationships with the…

In April 2023, VA and Pet Partners announced the renewal of their memorandum of agreement, reaffirming their commitment to enhance the quality of life for Veterans. Facilitated by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), the renewed partnership builds upon the strong collaboration established in 2019 and signifies a continued effort to deliver…

Each Tuesday, a small group of Veterans, dubbed the Yak and Yarn, meet at the Grounds for Celebration café to knit or crochet while sharing conversation and coffee. The meet-up is an opportunity for camaraderie and a chance to engage in a shared hobby. “Knitting is just a stress reliever.” Jerra Buster, a recreation therapist…

Bay Pines VA’s Police Service has added another element to support their ongoing mission to protect those who served: It is the latest health care system in VA to be 100 percent trained on the use of body cameras, advancing effective, accountable policing and criminal justice practices to enhance public trust and public safety. “All…

For physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists who want to come to VA, but may be indebted to their current employers, VA’s new Contract Buy-Out Program (CBOP) is a game changer. “Over the years, there have been too many physicians and health care providers who want to serve our Veteran patients…

Shar-Ron Buie spent 25 years in prison, was homeless and lost his daughter prior to VA helping him turn his life around. Now the Marine Corps Veteran dedicates his life to helping other Veterans thanks to VA’s HUD-VASH program. Buie was raised by his grandmother. They never lived in a single location for more than…

Antibiotic overuse can lead to serious infections from Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a bacterium that affects the colon. Veteran patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities are more vulnerable to C. diff infections than those not receiving care in hospitals or long-term care facilities. From 2019-2020, C. diff rates rose sharply in the Columbia VA…

On Aug. 30, Hurricane Idalia tore through the Florida gulf coast with 125 mph winds, flooding streets, damaging homes and shifting the lives of countless impacted by her destructive force. Perry, a small quiet town in Florida’s big bend, was hit hard, and the VA Clinic located there had to temporarily close its doors for…