Podcasts about Veterans Health Administration

The VA is undergoing its most significant restructuring in three decades, specifically targeting the Veterans Health Administration to eliminate "bloat" and administrative overlap. In this episode, I break down why the service networks are being cut from 18 to five and what these changes mean for your wait times and community care referrals. We're looking at a shift toward a more efficient, top-down system designed to prioritize veteran outcomes over bureaucracy.   Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (00:37) - Understanding the Veterans Health Administration restructuring (01:15) - Breaking down the VISN cuts from 18 to 5 (02:05) - Why internal reviews found the VA system "bloated" (03:46) - The truth about vacancies and impact on care (04:39) - Timeline: What to expect starting in early 2026 (05:07) - Massive changes to Community Care and referral contracts (06:50) - How to track your appointments and outcomes during the rollout (08:13) - Final thoughts on the future of veteran benefits   About the Show On the Military Millionaire Podcast, I share real conversations with service members, veterans, and their families. Each week, we explore how to build wealth through personal finance, entrepreneurship, and real estate investing. Resources & Links Download a free copy of my book: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/free-book Sign up for free webinar trainings: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/register Join our investor list: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/investors Apply for The War Room Mastermind: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/mastermind-application Get an intro to recommended VA agents/lenders: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/va-realtor Guide to raising capital: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/capital-raising-guide   Connect with David Pere Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/militarymillionaire YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Frommilitarytomillionaire?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frommilitarytomillionaire/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pere/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/militaryrei TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@militarymillionaire

Secretary Doug Collins is a year into his tenure at the VA. He joins me now for a look back at what he learned over the past year and how those lessons informed his plan to reorganize the Veterans Health Administration. We'll also examine how VA is making progress in benefits eligibility decisions and payments. He'll lay out what's changing and why. and what he hopes to accomplish in the year ahead. Here's my conversation with Secretary Collins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. Madeline O'Sullivan discusses her retrospective study of U.S. veterans in the Veterans Health Administration, examining outcomes among patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer. She explains how the cohorts were defined, how use and timing of immunosuppressive therapies were analyzed, and how mortality and cause of death were determined. Dr. O'Sullivan summarizes the patient population, cancer types represented, and key findings on survival differences between RA and non-RA groups, as well as insights from secondary analyses and important study limitations. She also reflects on balancing research with clinical training, the mentorship that supported her work, lessons learned, and practical advice for trainees aiming to complete and publish research projects. 

Law enforcement staffing at federal agencies varied between fiscal years 2020 and 2024. But a new Government Accountability Office report shows the Veterans Health Administration saw a major uptick in law enforcement staffing during that period, going from 4,699 officers in 2020 to 6,281 by the end of 2024. VHA was an outlier as most other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies either had flat workforce totals or saw varying levels of attrition. GAO's report doesn't cover the last year when the Department of Homeland Security recruited a record number of immigration enforcement and Border Patrol agents.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Friday, Jan. 23, around 50,000 people in Minneapolis, MN, engaged in a historic mass strike and day of protest to demand an end to ICE terror and President Trump's federal siege of Minnesota. Then, on Saturday, Jan. 24, an ICE agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, volunteer ICE observer and a registered union nurse who worked for the Veterans Health Administration. In this episode, we speak with Mary C. Turner, a registered nurse inn Minnesota and a member of the Council of Presidents of National Nurses United, the largest nurses union in the US, which is now forcefully calling for the abolition of ICE.  Additional links/info:  National Nurses United: "Week of action in honor of Alex Pretti, RN and all others killed by ICE" National Nurses United press release (1/24/26): "National Nurses United outraged by murder of VA registered nurse by immigration agents, demand abolition of ICE" National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United website, Facebook page, Twitter/X page, and Instagram Devon Lum & Haley Willis, The New York Times, "Videos show moments in which agents killed a man in Minneapolis" Thomas Birmingham & Ari Bloomekatz, In These Times, "A staggering number of Minnesotans took to the streets Friday to demand ICE leave. The next day, ICE responded by killing another resident" Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / TRNN, "Trump plans massive military parade while cutting veteran jobs, benefits, & healthcare" Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / TRNN, "Trump cuts leave VA hospital nurses and veteran patients in a crisis" Credits: Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor

On Friday, Jan. 23, around 50,000 people in Minneapolis, MN, engaged in a historic mass strike and day of protest to demand an end to ICE terror and President Trump's federal siege of Minnesota. Then, on Saturday, Jan. 24, an ICE agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, volunteer ICE observer and a registered union nurse who worked for the Veterans Health Administration. In this episode, we speak with Mary C. Turner, a registered nurse inn Minnesota and a member of the Council of Presidents of National Nurses United, the largest nurses union in the US, which is now forcefully calling for the abolition of ICE. Additional links/info: National Nurses United: “Week of action in honor of Alex Pretti, RN and all others killed by ICE”National Nurses United press release (1/24/26): “National Nurses United outraged by murder of VA registered nurse by immigration agents, demand abolition of ICE”National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United website, Facebook page, Twitter/X page, and InstagramDevon Lum & Haley Willis, The New York Times, “Videos show moments in which agents killed a man in Minneapolis”Thomas Birmingham & Ari Bloomekatz, In These Times, “A staggering number of Minnesotans took to the streets Friday to demand ICE leave. The next day, ICE responded by killing another resident”Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / TRNN, “Trump plans massive military parade while cutting veteran jobs, benefits, & healthcare”Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / TRNN, “Trump cuts leave VA hospital nurses and veteran patients in a crisis”Credits:Audio Post-Production: Jules TaylorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

Nearly 16 million veterans live in the United States, and while 9 million receive care through the Veterans Health Administration, about 40% rely entirely on civilian healthcare. That's where the challenge begins: many veterans are navigating a system that isn't designed for their unique health needs. Veterans outside the VA system often face barriers that lead to poorer outcomes—delays in diagnosis, fragmented care, and overlooked service-related conditions. The healthcare system must do better. In this episode of Radio Advisory, host Rachel (Rae) Woods talks with Optum Serve experts Christi Kruse and Christine Erspamer about what it takes to close this gap. Drawing on their in-depth ethnographic research, Christi and Christine explore why understanding the veteran patient journey is critical, how to integrate data-driven population health strategies, and the role of publicly available tools and guidelines, along with other practical solutions. The conversation doesn't stop at veterans. These insights can help healthcare leaders better serve other vulnerable populations, too. Stay tuned through the end of the episode for a special message from Optum Serve CEO Ed Weinberg, as he shares how Optum Serve is honoring the lived experiences of veterans and military families, and calls on clinical providers to lead with compassion, consistency, and purpose. We're here to help: Research Study: Caring for Veterans and Military Families Devoted to Improving Lives Across the Nation | Optum Business Military & Veteran Health Care Journey: Infographic Join us for an upcoming State of the Industry webinars, where Advisory Board experts will challenge three long-standing assumptions about the healthcare industry — and reveal the powerful new dynamics reshaping the future. Learn more about Optum Advisory: Healthcare consulting services A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

A nation's promise to those who served becomes a lesson in how health care can truly heal. In this special Veterans Day episode, Dr. David Shulkin, the ninth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the Trump Administration and VA's Under Secretary of Health in the Obama Administration, talks about the mission, history, and transformation of the Veterans Health Administration, one of the nation's largest and most innovative health systems. He shares how his time leading the VA changed his perspective on what effective, compassionate care looks like, highlighting the system's holistic, population-based approach and its groundbreaking medical research. Dr. Shulkin also reflects on the challenges of government service, the importance of protecting the VA from privatization, and his continued advocacy for veterans and the workforce that serves them. Tune in to hear how the VA's model offers vital lessons for the future of American health care! Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. David Shulkin on LinkedIn. Get a copy of Dr. Shulkin's book, It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Government, Our Broken Government and the Plight of Veterans, here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traditional prosthetic care can be labor and time-intensive, difficult to scale to all VA facilities, and challenging for some veterans to access. However, the Veterans Health Administration's Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning is making progress in digital prosthetics. Digital innovation, AI and other technologies are allowing VA to deliver prosthetic devices to disabled veterans sooner so they can play video games, feed themselves, play sports like golf and pickleball, and more. Learn more in this week's Tango Alpha Lima podcast. Other topics in this episode include changes the Pentagon is making to MREs, Chuck Yeager's historic supersonic flight and a Vietnam veteran's journey back to school.The American Legion is proud to be an Associate Sponsor of Army-Navy Game presented by USAADr. Ripley discusses development of 3D-printed medical devicesJoin the USA 250 Challenge81-year old Vietnam War veteran graduations from Bristol CollegeRon Cabral graduation videoNew MRE options coming soonCelebrating Chuck Yeager's supersonic flight

Michael Hein, MS, MD, MHCM, Associate Certified Coach (ACC), believes that when healthcare leaders don't fully understand complexity, it leads to burnout, turnover, and poor patient care—issues he considers preventable forms of human suffering. Healthcare is more complex than ever, and traditional top-down methods often exacerbate these challenges. Success today requires leaders who adapt, absorb uncertainty, and react quickly. For many, this means embracing new leadership mindsets. With over thirty years of experience in healthcare, Michael is Senior Vice President and an executive coach at MEDI Leadership, the top healthcare coaching firm in the US. Drawing from clinical and executive roles, he helps leaders make the mindset shifts needed for success in complexity.Previously, Michael was CEO of a nonmerger hospital network and Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health Initiatives. He led transformations at the Veterans Health Administration and cofounded KPI Ninja, a healthcare data company.Michael holds degrees from the University of South Dakota, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and St. Cloud State University. He is a certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, trained at the Hudson Institute of Coaching. His experience bridges frontline care and strategic leadership, coaching leaders to drive sustainable change in complex organizations.His book, Shifting Toward Unorthodoxy: Ten Unconventional Mindsets that Help Healthcare Leaders Succeed in a Complex World, encourages a shift from outdated leadership mindsets to adaptive ones. A lifelong athlete, Michael enjoys cycling and swimming.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Leah provides a focused breakdown of how hepatitis B and C can be service-connected for VA disability claims. She explains the basics of hepatitis, common ways veterans may have been exposed during service (such as air gun injections or pre-1992 blood transfusions), and the criteria needed for direct or secondary service connection, including the importance of a medical nexus. Leah also highlights VA rating criteria, C&P exam expectations, and useful strategies like gathering strong medical documentation, requesting nexus letters, and referencing VA fast letters. 

In this episode of The CX Tipping Point Podcast, host Martha Dorris sits down with Christopher Mannozzi, Director of Performance Management, and Jim Schaefer, Director of Surveys at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Health Administration (VHA).Together, they lead the Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients (SHEP) program, which is transforming how the VA listens to and improves care for veterans.The conversation explores how SHEP:Uses surveys to capture veterans' experiences across all types of careAnalyzes data to highlight what's working well and pinpoint opportunities for improvementLeverages automation and monthly reports to deliver fast, actionable insightsThey also share what's ahead for the program, including:Enabling veterans to complete surveys directly from their phonesComparing VA care to community care to better understand the full patient journeyExploring AI and natural language processing for deeper analysisProviding training to staff on turning feedback into meaningful actionAt its core, SHEP's mission is simple yet powerful: to improve healthcare quality and satisfaction, helping veterans live healthier lives. By surfacing common challenges and spreading best practices, the team is driving positive change across VA facilities nationwide.Congratulations to the SHEP team on receiving the 2024 Service to the Citizen® Award!Thank you for listening to this episode of The CX Tipping Point Podcast! If you enjoyed it, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners! Stay Connected: Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @DorrisConsultingInternational Twitter: @DorrisConsultng Facebook: @DCInternational Resources Mentioned: Citizen Services Newsletter 2024 Service to the Citizen Awards Nomination Form

Michael Hein, MS, MD, MHCM, Associate Certified Coach (ACC), believes that when healthcare leaders don't fully understand complexity, it leads to burnout, turnover, and poor patient care—issues he considers preventable forms of human suffering. Healthcare is more complex than ever, and traditional top-down methods often exacerbate these challenges. Success today requires leaders who adapt, absorb uncertainty, and react quickly. For many, this means embracing new leadership mindsets. With over thirty years of experience in healthcare, Michael is Senior Vice President and an executive coach at MEDI Leadership, the top healthcare coaching firm in the US. Drawing from clinical and executive roles, he helps leaders make the mindset shifts needed for success in complexity.Previously, Michael was CEO of a nonmerger hospital network and Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health Initiatives. He led transformations at the Veterans Health Administration and cofounded KPI Ninja, a healthcare data company.Michael holds degrees from the University of South Dakota, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and St. Cloud State University. He is a certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, trained at the Hudson Institute of Coaching. His experience bridges frontline care and strategic leadership, coaching leaders to drive sustainable change in complex organizations.His book, Shifting Toward Unorthodoxy: Ten Unconventional Mindsets that Help Healthcare Leaders Succeed in a Complex World, encourages a shift from outdated leadership mindsets to adaptive ones. A lifelong athlete, Michael enjoys cycling and swimming.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Leah explains how veterans may qualify for VA disability compensation if they experience side effects from medications prescribed for service-connected conditions. She outlines what the VA recognizes under 38 CFR 3.310, provides real-world examples such as ulcers from NSAIDs, metabolic syndrome from antipsychotics, sexual dysfunction from SSRIs, and liver damage from anticonvulsants, and stresses the importance of proving secondary service connection with medical diagnoses, documentation, and nexus statements. Leah also highlights relevant medical literature, explains the potential for special monthly compensation or TDIU in severe cases, and warns about common pitfalls like failing to directly link symptoms to medications. 

Michael Hein, MS, MD, MHCM, Associate Certified Coach (ACC), believes that when healthcare leaders don't fully understand complexity, it leads to burnout, turnover, and poor patient care—issues he considers preventable forms of human suffering. Healthcare is more complex than ever, and traditional top-down methods often exacerbate these challenges. Success today requires leaders who adapt, absorb uncertainty, and react quickly. For many, this means embracing new leadership mindsets. With over thirty years of experience in healthcare, Michael is Senior Vice President and an executive coach at MEDI Leadership, the top healthcare coaching firm in the US. Drawing from clinical and executive roles, he helps leaders make the mindset shifts needed for success in complexity.Previously, Michael was CEO of a nonmerger hospital network and Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health Initiatives. He led transformations at the Veterans Health Administration and cofounded KPI Ninja, a healthcare data company.Michael holds degrees from the University of South Dakota, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and St. Cloud State University. He is a certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, trained at the Hudson Institute of Coaching. His experience bridges frontline care and strategic leadership, coaching leaders to drive sustainable change in complex organizations.His book, Shifting Toward Unorthodoxy: Ten Unconventional Mindsets that HelpHealthcare Leaders Succeed in a Complex World, encourages a shift from outdated leadership mindsets to adaptive ones. A lifelong athlete, Michael enjoys cycling and swimming.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Michael Hein, MS, MD, MHCM, Associate Certified Coach (ACC), believes that when healthcare leaders don't fully understand complexity, it leads to burnout, turnover, and poor patient care—issues he considers preventable forms of human suffering. Healthcare is more complex than ever, and traditional top-down methods often exacerbate these challenges. Success today requires leaders who adapt, absorb uncertainty, and react quickly. For many, this means embracing new leadership mindsets. With over thirty years of experience in healthcare, Michael is Senior Vice President and an executive coach at MEDI Leadership, the top healthcare coaching firm in the US. Drawing from clinical and executive roles, he helps leaders make the mindset shifts needed for success in complexity.Previously, Michael was CEO of a nonmerger hospital network and Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health Initiatives. He led transformations at the Veterans Health Administration and cofounded KPI Ninja, a healthcare data company.Michael holds degrees from the University of South Dakota, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and St. Cloud State University. He is a certified executive coach through the International Coaching Federation, trained at the Hudson Institute of Coaching. His experience bridges frontline care and strategic leadership, coaching leaders to drive sustainable change in complex organizations.His book, Shifting Toward Unorthodoxy: Ten Unconventional Mindsets that HelpHealthcare Leaders Succeed in a Complex World, encourages a shift from outdated leadership mindsets to adaptive ones. A lifelong athlete, Michael enjoys cycling and swimming.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

In this episode, we dive into the complex topic of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and its role in VA disability claims. Veterans experiencing chronic back pain or spinal issues may be struggling with DDD, a condition that can significantly impact daily life and work. Whether you're a veteran filing a claim or an advocate assisting others, this episode offers clarity on diagnosis, compensation, and common challenges in the VA claims process.

In this episode, we're exploring aromatherapy - something that's getting serious scientific attention. When we inhale essential oils, scent molecules travel directly to our brain's emotional center, creating real neurochemical changes. The research is compelling. Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils can kill Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics. And lavender has particularly strong evidence - multiple studies show that it genuinely improves sleep quality by increasing restorative delta brain waves. The Veterans Health Administration reviewed 26 systematic studies and found moderate evidence that aromatherapy helps with pain, sleep quality, and stress management.  That's why we're excited to welcome Amy Jump-Long. Amy is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Clinical Aromatherapist with 15 years of experience. She is the founder of the aromatherapy and wellness business, ReNurture Therapy, and the co-author of Scripture Scents: Essential Oils in the Bible, a book that explores the biblical roots and spiritual significance of essential oils.   KEY TAKEAWAYS 1.    How essential oils can help with anxiety and depression 2.    Myths that people believe re: essential oils 3.    How to spot the fakes 4.    Do's and don'ts when it comes to using essential oils 5.    A few must-have essential oils or blends that can replace our medicine cabinet 6.    Amy's five favorite oils and why 7.    The oils that are mentioned in the bible   è You can learn more about Amy's work and shop her essential oil collection, head to at https://renurturetherapy.com/  è If you'd like to enter for a chance to win 4 x 5ml bottles of essential oil blends, head to @RonandLisa on Instagram to the first pinned post. Follow the instructions there and be sure to enter by September 5th, 2025. è As always, friends, you can find those show notes at https://ronandlisa.com/podcast/. As always, we appreciate you! Be sure to leave a review or rating – five stars are always appreciated. And, if you're not already subscribed…now is a great time!

This episode first aired on March 7, 2025.CSREs are conducted after a veteran screens positive for potential suicide risk, as part of the VA's ongoing effort to reduce the number of veterans who die by suicide. In the ongoing effort to reduce the number of veterans who die by suicide, a study identifies key factors that predict whether veterans who received a Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation, the standardized suicide risk assessment implemented nationally in the Veterans Health Administration, will go on to die by their own hands.Additional Resources:Veterans Crisis Line: Accessible by phone by dialing 988 and pressing "1", by text at 838255 and by online chat.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide PreventionUniversity of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention Extreme Risk Protection Order Information and Implementation ToolkitIf you or someone you know may be considering suicide, or having a mental health or addiction-related crisis, the 988 Lifeline is available for free to anyone, at all times, in both English and Spanish. Call 988 from any phone, text 988 from a mobile device, or visit their live webchat, information on available help, and live help via videophone for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. David Rakel Talks about the connection between good medicine and the Doctor-Patient connection Bio: David Rakel, MD is professor and chair of the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Rakel joined DFMCH faculty in 2001. He founded the integrative health program (now known as the Osher Center for Integrative Health at University of Wisconsin-Madison) and received the Gold Foundation's Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, the school's highest honor for excellence and compassion in care. His team worked with more than 50 clinical systems within the Veterans Health Administration to implement changes to make care more personalized, proactive, and patient driven. An author of both academic and popular writings, one of Rakel's missions is to communicate medical information in a way that is accessible to people of all backgrounds. He has published eleven books, including the Textbook of Family Medicine, Current Therapy, and Integrative Medicine, as well as peer-reviewed research on the impact of measures such as mindfulness meditation and the power of the therapeutic encounter. His 2018 book The Compassionate Connection focuses on how compassionate relationships can influence health outcomes.  AGENDA:  1.             This podcast today is about good medicine being rooted in the doctor-patient connection. Let's start with your study on the common cold, including the unexpected twist, which makes me cry nearly every time I tell your story.  2.             Why is the patient-doctor connection so important? What is 'the clinician effect' and its non-specific influences on health?  3.             What does the research say about this? What research should we be seeking to understand and amplify this effect further?  4.             What is the bare minimum we need to recreate this in a patient-doctor visit today? What would the ideal scenario be? Talk to us about some innovations in primary care delivery.  5.             What are the examples in which you see this working well in the world today? What's happening in the Functional Medicine world? What's been the transformation that's happened in the VA? Where else?  6.             What advice to you give patients seeking to connect with their busy doctors? What advice to you give to clinicians, new & old, who yearn or ache for this but aren't sure how to make it happen?  7.             Let's end on an optimistic note- what are some truths and magic that you've seen come out of an intact patient-doctor connection? 

   COL(R) Steven Braverman, MD takes you through his extraordinary journey from military medicine to becoming the COO of the Veterans Health Administration. Driven by a desire to fund his education through the Army's HPSP scholarship independently, Dr. Braverman chose the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), inspired by his family's medical background and his passion for sports medicine. He shares his experiences at Walter Reed, his leadership roles, and the impact PM&R has on maintaining soldier readiness and addressing musculoskeletal issues. Learn how his deployments and crisis management experiences, including the Ebola vaccine trials and the Fort Hood shooting, have shaped his career.    Explore Dr. Braverman's insightful reflections on leadership, particularly in crisis situations. The episode delves into the complexities of leadership during the first human Ebola vaccine trial and a mass casualty event at a non-trauma center in Central Texas. He discusses the critical importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and the emotional readiness of staff in navigating such crises. Dr. Braverman's experiences underscore the necessity of effective resource allocation, decision-making, and the evolution of vaccine development within the military context, while highlighting broader behavioral health challenges and advancements in medical fields like prosthetics.      Discover the dynamic collaboration between the VA, DOD, and the private sector, particularly during national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Braverman discusses initiatives to improve the transition process for soldiers moving from active duty to veteran care and emphasizes the importance of research efforts that focus on veterans' needs. The episode paints a vivid picture of career opportunities in military medicine, showcasing the diverse roles available for young providers and the financial benefits of medical school scholarships. Dr. Braverman reflects on his legacy, expressing pride in serving a noble mission and sharing his vision for a future prioritizing nimble, high-quality care for veterans. Chapters: (00:03) Military Medicine and PM&R Exploration (09:54) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Situations (23:11) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Response (34:43) Collaboration Between VA, DOD, and Community (42:52) National Defense and Veteran Care Collaboration (49:37) Research and Operations in Veterans Healthcare (01:00:27) Career Opportunities in Military Medicine   Chapter Summaries: (00:03) Military Medicine and PM&R Exploration  COL(R) Steven Braverman, MD, shares his journey into military medicine, specializing in PM&R and discussing his leadership roles and deployments.   (09:54) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Situations Military medical professional's career journey, crisis management, Ebola vaccine trial, repurposing resources, and advancements in military medicine.   (23:11) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Response Leadership challenges during a mass casualty event at a non-trauma center, including trust, resource allocation, and mental health needs.   (34:43) Collaboration Between VA, DOD, and Community Transition from military to civilian leadership in VA, collaboration with military and private sector, and VA's four missions.   (42:52) National Defense and Veteran Care Collaboration VA plays vital role in national emergencies, partners with DOD, improves transition process, and provides quality care.   (49:37) Research and Operations in Veterans Healthcare Collaboration between VA and DOD can improve healthcare for veterans by prioritizing research based on their needs.   (01:00:27) Career Opportunities in Military Medicine Dr. Braverman shares his experiences in Army medicine, highlighting leadership opportunities and financial benefits.   Take Home Messages: The Impact of Military Medicine: The episode highlights the critical role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) in military medicine, particularly in maintaining soldier readiness and addressing musculoskeletal issues. This specialty supports the broader mission of military healthcare by ensuring soldiers are physically prepared for their duties. Leadership in Crisis Management: The podcast underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and emotional readiness in crisis management. The discussion includes insights into managing high-stakes situations, such as the Ebola vaccine trials and mass casualty events, emphasizing the need for effective resource allocation and decision-making. Collaboration Across Sectors: A key theme is the dynamic collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DOD), and the private sector, especially during national emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership is vital for improving healthcare accessibility and quality for veterans. Advancements in Veteran Care: The episode explores initiatives aimed at improving the transition process for soldiers moving from active duty to veteran care. It stresses the importance of research focused on veterans' needs and highlights the benefits of seamless care transitions to enhance veterans' healthcare experiences. Opportunities in Military Medicine: The podcast provides an insightful look into career opportunities in military and federal medicine. It encourages young medical professionals to consider these paths, highlighting diverse roles and the financial benefits of scholarships that allow for a debt-free medical education.   Episode Keywords: Military medicine, leadership in crisis, Dr. Steven Braverman, Veterans Health Administration, physical medicine and rehabilitation, PM&R, Walter Reed, soldier readiness, musculoskeletal issues, Ebola vaccine trial, Fort Hood shooting, crisis management, adaptability, strategic thinking, VA and DOD collaboration, veteran care, COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare innovation, prosthetics, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military to civilian transition, career opportunities in military medicine   Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #LeadershipInCrisis #VeteranCare #DrBraverman #CrisisManagement #VAandDODCollaboration #EbolaVaccineTrial #HealthcareInnovation #VeteransHealth #MilitaryToVA   Dr. Braverman Biography: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/VR/VR03/20250212/117866/HHRG-119-VR03-Bio-BravermanS-20250212.pdf   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

Democrats are attempting to secure full collective bargaining rights for federal health care employees. A new bill from Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth would allow nurses, clinicians and other professionals at the Veterans Health Administration to negotiate with management over their workforce concerns. The bill has been introduced in the past. But this time around, Duckworth says the bill is especially important given the Trump administration's efforts to broadly cancel collective bargaining across agencies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textMeasles is making a comeback, and with it comes a heated debate on vaccine mandates, public health, and personal freedom. In this episode of CareTalk, Michael F. Cannon (Director of Health Policy Studies, Cato Institute) joins hosts, David E. Williams and John Driscoll, to debate the challenges of balancing individual rights with public safety, why vaccine mandates can backfire, and how misinformation fuels the controversy. 

This podcast is brought to you by Outcomes Rocket, your exclusive healthcare marketing agency. Learn how to accelerate your growth by going to outcomesrocket.com Early intervention and personalized virtual care can dramatically reduce amputations for high-risk diabetes patients. In this episode, Dr. Jon Bloom, co-founder and CEO of Podimetrics, discusses the devastating impact of diabetic foot complications, which cost over $100 billion annually in the US and lead to high mortality rates. Podimetrics utilizes an FDA-cleared smart mat and a nursing team to monitor patients at home, enabling early detection and intervention to prevent ulcers and amputations. Dr. Bloom emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and social determinants of health alongside physical ailments. He also notes that Podimetrics works directly with payers like insurance companies and the Veterans Health Administration, showcasing the company's commitment to serving veterans and their families.  Tune in to see how Podimetrics helps patients manage risk and live on their own terms, even with chronic conditions! Resources:  Connect and follow Jon Bloom on LinkedIn. Learn more about Podimetrics on their LinkedIn and website. Fast Track Your Business Growth: Outcomes Rocket is a full service marketing agency focused on helping healthcare organizations like yours maximize your impact and accelerate growth. Learn more at outcomesrocket.com

President Trump says that his Cabinet secretaries are actually supposed to be the ones to make staffing decisions, not Elon Musk and his DOGE entity. Also, we hear from employees at the Veterans Health Administration about how they feel about DOGE emails asking them to spell out what they did last week. Plus, a look at where things stand on the treatment of Long COVID.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

In this conversation, Dr. Ryan Vega, Chief Health Officer for Vantiq, discusses the transformative role of AI in healthcare, the innovative capabilities of the Vantiq platform, and the importance of personalized healthcare solutions. He shares insights on the transition from the Veterans Health Administration to Vantiq, the use cases for their technology, and how generative AI is enhancing clinical decision-making. Dr. Vega emphasizes the need for transparency, safety, and effective orchestration of AI systems in healthcare, as well as the importance of collaboration with systems integrators and startups to drive innovation.In this episode , they discuss: Dr. Vega emphasizes the importance of workflow customization in healthcare.Vantiq's platform allows for low-code, no-code application development.Real-time orchestration of complex healthcare systems is crucial.Generative AI can significantly enhance clinical decision-making.Vantiq focuses on creating transparency and safety in AI workflows.The platform is designed to operate securely within healthcare environments.AI can augment human capabilities in critical care settings. A Little about Dr Ryan Vega: Dr. Ryan Vega serves as the Chief Health Officer for Vantiq and is the former Chief Innovation Officer for the Veterans Health Administration where he led enterprise innovation efforts across the largest integrated health system in the United States.His work has spanned large-scale digital modernization efforts, design and deployment of innovative care and payment models, and early design and development of healthcare software focused on improving health care delivery and experience for patients and providers.Dr. Vega also currently sits as the Physician in Residence for the Digital Medicine Society and holds academic appointments as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Administration at Georgetown University as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at George Washington University. He is the recipient of many awards for his work in healthcare innovation and has published numerous articles on the topic.

With cyberthreats on constant rise, Federal Leaders consider what role automation can play in managing cloud involvement and best practices to ensure their commitment to securing the nation's data.   This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore the role of AI, governance, and collaboration in strengthening security and improving capabilities and data security.  Joseph Ronzio, Deputy Chief Health Technology Officer, Veterans Health Administration, talks about the risks of blind patching and the benefits of a hybrid approach—combining automation with manual oversight.   Brian "Stretch" Meyer, Sr. Director of Engineering, Axonius Federal, sheds light on compliance challenges, the importance of visibility and control in cloud security, and the disconnect between regulations and engineering teams.   Tune in now on your favorite podcasting platform for actionable insights on modernizing federal cloud security.      

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

The Trump administration is attempting an attack on federal workers at every agency and is allowing Elon Musk access to sensitive data. Federal workers are organizing and fighting back. In less than two months, one federal worker union, AFGE, has gained over 16,000 new members compared to 7,400 new members in all of 2024. Clearing the FOG speaks with Suzanne Gordon of the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute about what is at stake and what workers are doing to resist efforts to force them out of their jobs. Gordon also explains why the Veterans Health Administration is a model of health care for the country and the work the VA does to benefit everyone. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org.

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Contact your legislators to protect and improve social safety net programs:https://bit.ly/MTWCallToActionGet connected with other advocacy organizations:https://bit.ly/MTWAdvocacyNetworkShare Super Adaptables with your friends (email template):https://bit.ly/ShareSuperAdaptablesThe Super Adaptables Podcast is hosted by C4 quadriplegic and Hip Hop musician Corey “Pheez” Lee, and C7 quadriplegic and More Than Walking CEO Jonathan Sigworth. Participate in future podcast discussions by signing up for our newsletter or Zoom events at ⁠https://www.morethanwalking.com/register. Listen as a podcast anywhere by searching for More Than Walking.

Here is our final.  Playing on the drama a bit. In healthcare, every second counts, and Artificial Intelligence is transforming how data is analyzed to save lives. But when critical decisions hinge on AI, ethics, accountability, and trust become non-negotiable.  This week on Feds At the Edge, dive into the complexities for applying AI in healthcare.  Joe Ronzio, Deputy Chief Health Technology Officer for Veterans Health Administration, shares insights on the importance of rigorous human oversight, traceable training data, and recognizing bias in AI systems.   We also tackle the tough questions:  >> How do we secure medical data?  >> What role does encryption and governance play?    Don't miss this compelling conversation.          

On this episode of The ICHE Podcast, we dive into research priorities in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial stewardship (AS) with experts Robin Jump, Jennie Kwon, Daniel Livorsi, Lona Mody, and Eli Perencevich. The discussion explores the importance of publishing research agendas to stimulate focused research, guide researchers in prioritizing critical topics, and inform funding decisions. By addressing these goals, the panel aims to align research efforts with pressing clinical challenges, foster innovation, and bridge gaps between research and implementation. The guests also discuss the structured methodologies used to draft these research agendas, detailing how key priorities were identified and refined to address the most urgent needs in the field. The panel reviews three recently published agendas in ICHE: A Call to Action: The SHEA Research Agenda to Combat Healthcare-Associated Infections, Research Agenda for Transmission Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration, 2024–2028, and Research Agenda for Antibiotic Stewardship within the Veterans Health Administration, 2024–2028. Key topics include addressing antimicrobial resistance, improving diagnostic tools, and tackling HAIs in vulnerable populations. The conversation further examines the applicability of findings from VA-specific agendas to non-VA healthcare settings, concluding that many insights are broadly relevant. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the research landscape and actionable ways to contribute to advancements in patient safety and healthcare quality. For further details, explore the full articles discussed in this episode at Cambridge.org/ICHE.

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.

Learn more about Level 1 Functional Pelvic Health Practitioner programGet certified in pelvic health from the OT lens hereGrab your free AOTA approved Pelvic Health CEU course here.More about my guest:Kathryn Ellis (she/her) is an international change agent for sex and intimacy conversations in healthcare settings. She is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor. She received the American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows Distinction in 2024. Kathryn is the founder of continuing education company, the Institute for Sex & Occupational Therapy and developed the first certification program within Occupational Therapy to enhance OTPs preparedness to address sex in all clinical practice settings. Through education and building community, her mission is to dismantle the restrictive norms related to sex that restrict discussions of sex in healthcare settings. She developed the United States' military's first Occupational Therapy Sexuality Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical. She continues to educate on veteran sexual health through her work with the United States' Veterans Health Administration and the Ukrainian Olena Pinchuk Foundation.  She is the co-editor of textbook “Sexuality and Intimacy: An Occupational Therapy Approach” and the Amputee Coalition and Veterans Health Administration's workbook “Let's Talk About It: Your Sex and Intimacy Guide.”  Kathryn has a sex therapy private practice based in Delaware.Kathryn's website.Kathryn's AOTA Press textbookAmputee Coalition book____________________________________________________________________________________________Pelvic OTPs United - Lindsey's off-line interactive community for $39 a month! Inside Pelvic OTPs United you'll find:​ Weekly group mentoring calls with Lindsey. She's doing this exclusively inside this community. These aren't your boring old Zoom calls where she is a talking head. We interact, we coach, we learn from each other.​ Highly curated forums. The worst is when you post a question on FB just to have it drowned out with 10 other questions that follow it. So, she's got dedicated forums on different populations, different diagnosis, different topics (including business). Hop it, post your specific question, and get the expert advice you need. More info here. Lindsey would love support you in this quiet corner off social media!

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. 

Join us as we welcome Dr. Jonathan Perlin, President and CEO of The Joint Commission, the world-wide leader in accreditation of healthcare institutions. The session explores and provides a personal journey, as a physician and researcher who served as Under Secretary for Health and CEO of the Veterans Health Administration.  After his work with the VHA, Dr. Perlin later became the President of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer with HCA Healthcare. Dr. Perlin provides valuable insights to early careerists entering the world of a profession that balances health equity, environmental sustainability, learning and performance integration. To learn more about Dr. Jonathan Perlin:  https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/joint-commission-officers-group/jonathan-b-perlin/

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. Leah  discusses military sexual trauma (MST) and the resources available through the VA for veterans who have experienced it. She explains MST as encompassing any unwanted sexual activity during military service, including harassment, assault, or coercion, and notes its lasting impact on individuals. Leah highlights VA-provided support, including fact sheets, MST coordinators, and various therapies like cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She emphasizes the importance of seeking help, acknowledging the challenges of addressing MST within a military culture that often stigmatizes vulnerability. The video also introduces a mobile app and community-based vet center counseling options, urging veterans to take advantage of these resources for their mental and physical well-being.

Have you ever wondered when it might be time to leave your job? Or how to keep repeating the same mistakes at work? Set yourself up for success? Make your voice heard? Create a healthy workplace for your team/employees? This episode is the virtual launch party for the "Millennials' Workbook for Navigating Workplace Politics" where we'll interview the co-authors, get a sneak peek into their framework and process, challenges for writing about these topics, and activities the audience can try right after listening. Have you just graduated from school and are entering the workforce for the first time? Are you a millennial who has a tough time gelling with older generations of coworkers? Are you interested in leveling-up at work, having your voice heard, or moving into a leadership position? In this episode, Dr. Brancu, the host of the Hard Skills talks with her co-authors of the Millennials Workbook for Navigating Workplace Politics about how the workbook can help put into practice the principles outlined in their original guide published in 2021 (Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics). The episode will also be their virtual launch party since the book comes out on this air date! We'll offer a sneak peek into talk what led to writing this workbook, how long it took, hiccups along the way, challenging decision points, and do a brief reading with several activities! Sarah A. Rose is a project manager and consultant with 15 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations aiming to improve quality of life through education and science. Upon entering the workforce, Sarah struggled to reconcile her multiple identities in corporate America. During her tenure at the American Psychological Association, she was offered numerous personal and professional opportunities, one of which is co-authoring this book. Sarah executes her work through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This stems from her multicultural and bilingual upbringing as a German-American in a military family. She graduated with bachelor's degrees in psychology and international studies. Sarah lives in Germany with her twin cats, Berlioz and Toulouse. Dr. Jennifer Wisdom is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified organizational psychologist. She is principal of Wisdom Consulting, a Senior Organization Development Psychologist with the Veterans Health Administration's National Center for Organization Development, and an Affiliated Professor at the Oregon Health and Science University. She has published and taught extensively on leadership and public health, including authoring the Millennials' Guides series. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Master's of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology.***IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, CAN I ASK A FAVOR?We do not receive any funding or sponsorship for this podcast. If you learned something and feel others could also benefit, please leave a positive review. Every review helps amplify our work and visibility. This is especially helpful for small women-owned boot-strapped businesses. Simply go to the bottom of the Apple Podcast page to enter a review. Thank you!***LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE:Guest sites: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarsonderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferpeltwisdom/https://www.leadwithwisdom.com/booksBook series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNRBP81H?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1732221877&sr=8-1Our website: www.gotowerscope.com

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.

The agency has purchased six high-water trucks and extended its telehealth offerings. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/ 

Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this episode, Leah discusses Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Gulf War Veterans.

Dr. Theresa “Terry” Cullen is on a mission to make Pima County, Arizona one of the healthiest counties in the nation. It's a challenging goal, and one that will take dedication and a willingness to fight for what's right. But, Terry is a self-described, life-long pugilist – with an approach to healthcare that goes beyond policies and programs. Everything she does is rooted in her deep belief in accompaniment; that her role is to walk alongside her patients and community offering empathy, dignity and respect. We discuss:Her work as a rural doctor with the Indian Health Service Deploying to West Africa in 2014 for the Ebola crisisWhy the VA and DOD could not agree on electronic health recordsHer commitment to make Pima county one of the healthiest in the nationTerry reminds us that sometimes we need to step back and look at the work we do through a new lens:“My husband's an artist, and he challenges me all the time to look at something and look at the light. Look at the composition. Look at where it is. What's the pattern there? You know, and a lot of medicine is based on pattern, but think of a disruptive pattern. Think of a puzzle where the piece doesn't fit and what do you need to do to make that piece fit? Because if it falls into place, maybe the whole thing will heal.”Relevant LinksDefinition of pugilistResolve to save lives - 717 allianceHealthy Pima Indicators About Our GuestTheresa Cullen is currently the Public Health Director of Pima County, Arizona. She has developed a strategic approach to transformational health status change with a goal of health equity through supporting a learning public health system model based on data and action. She continues to work closely with Tribal, federal, state and local partners to ensure that community needs are integrated into planning with a goal of health justice. Dr. Cullen, RADM (retired) USPHS, began her family medicine clinical career with Indian Health Service (IHS) and worked in leadership positions for 25 years with American Indian/Alaska Native communities with a goal of improving health status through innovation and data informatics. Dr. Cullen worked as the Chief Medical Information Officer for the Veterans Health Administration from 2012-2015 and Associate Director of Global Health Informatics at the Regenstrief Institute. She has been honored with multiple local, state and national awards including the USPHS Distinguished Service Medal, the University of Arizona Medical College Alumni Award, and the AMIA Don Detmer Award for informatics health policy contributions.Source: https://academyhealth.org/about/people/theresa-cullen-md-msStay InformedSign up for The Other 80 Newsletter to receive a monthly update with reflections, news, events, jobs and funding curated for you by Claudia. Click here to sign up.Connect With UsFor more information on The Other 80 please visit our website - www.theother80.com. To connect with our team, please email claudia@theother80.com and

On “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg,” Dani speaks with Dr. Christine Going, Senior Advisor in the Food Security Office at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They discuss the barriers that can prevent veterans from seeking support, what the Veterans Health Administration is doing to help those experiencing hunger, and the innovative partnerships the Office of Food Security is developing to advance their mission. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.