soxbs Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 Hello everyone, I was recently offered a position in a specialty at VA in New England. Does anyone have specialty experience within the VA system? I know it’s dependent upon the specific VA, but I’ve only heard experiences within primary care. I’m curious if there is significant oversight from residents/fellows or if we have reasonable autonomy. I’d appreciate any info!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surgblumm Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 I have been a veteran patient of the Northport VA on Long Island. I have found the clinic services to be extraordinary and better than any of my civilian counterparts where I was considered a VIP. I had to have a primary care Doc and my first was exceptional and the next, not so much. I had an outstanding Rheumatologist and Nephrologist who were both chiefs of their department. I maintained my personal Cardiologist as we have had a 25 year relationship as well as my civillian Internist in case I would be admitted into a hospital , where I would still choose Southside in Bay shore who is part of the Northwell system. My civilian dermatologist was better and more easily accessible, vvascular services were done by a fellow who told me I knew more about the specialty than he did. I did not try a VA orthopedist or neurologist as I had no need for either. I did meet one PA in a orthopedic clinic who recognized my name on another service chart. I had an outstanding audiologist and recieved my expensive hearing aids from them. I have seen more NPs in Northport by a large margin and fellows in every specialty which would make me think that as a PA in surgery, you may be limited by residents and fellows. You cannot beat VA endocrinology who are teAM organized and follow carefully. If there are any VA PAS out there , please respond to this PA's request. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reality Check 2 Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 I work in Primary Care at a VA. We have a few PAs in a few specialties. We rarely have residents in our facility. PAs are NOT LIPs in VA and that is killing us universally. I don't have much to tell you about specialties - really depends on part of the country, who you work with and any teaching affiliations. Sorry, I don't have much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sks5966 Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 I have worked 3 specialities in the VA. Medical/Cardiac ICU, Surgical ICU and Neurosurgery. Each was at a different large VA. Contact me if you have any questions. I had over 10 years at the VA when I retired. Contact me off list or at bc2502@hotmail.com. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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