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Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
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News Releases
Public Affairs, (713) 794-7349
2009
Public Affairs Office & Media Inquiries, (713) 794-7349 - The Public Affairs Office serves as the initial contact for reporters, producers, and other media representatives seeking information about the DeBakey VA Medical Center or wishing to interview faculty/staff experts. This office functions as the Houston VA's news bureau, serving as the primary source of information about the institution, patient care, staff and staff collaboration, awards, reviews, accreditations, medical and research advances, environmental safety, and technological advances. (12/31/2009)
Disabled American Veterans Recognize Employee at Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic - HOUSTON - The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Texas awarded Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) employee Flavil Lynn Chesser, RPh, MS, with their prestigious Veterans Health Administration Award. Chesser serves as the supervisory pharmacist for the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin. (07/02/2009)
New Lufkin Clinic Gets Finishing Touches for Grand Opening - LUFKIN, TX - The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic will celebrate the opening of its new home at 2206 North John Redditt Drive in Lufkin with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 9 a.m. (07/01/2009)
Houston VA Receives $5 Million Grant to Study and Treat Traumatic Brain Injury - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has been awarded a five-year $5 million grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development to establish a new VA Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence focusing on mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. (06/30/2009)
New Patient Care Model Assesses if Elderly can Live on Their Own - HOUSTON - (June 24, 2009) - A team consisting of medical professionals, social workers and family members plays an important role in assessing an older adult's capacity to live on their own, according to experts at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (http://www.houston.va.gov/) at Houston in a paper published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. (06/24/2009)
VA Health Care Providers from Many Different Specialties Work Together to Save Veteran's Life - HOUSTON - Health care providers from the Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic, and Vascular Surgery departments at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center used a multidisciplinary approach to successfully treat a 57-year-old Veteran from Houston suffering from a thoracic aortic aneurysm complicated by dissection and rupture into his left chest. (06/22/2009)
Houston VA Accepts Historical "Kissing Sailor" Signed Poster and Memorabilia - The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center will hold a brief ceremony to accept the donation of a historical, signed poster and other memorabilia from the V-J Day "Kissing Sailor," Glenn McDuffie, U.S. Navy, GM3/C. Mr. McDuffie, who lives in Houston, will be present at the ceremony. (06/09/2009)
32 Local Veterans Compete in 23st National Veterans Golden Age Games - HOUSTON - In June, 32 Veterans from the Houston area participated in the 23rd National Veterans Golden Age Games held in Birmingham, Alabama and brought home 17 medals. The Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. More than 700 Veterans from all over the country registered to compete this year. (06/09/2009)
New Lufkin Clinic Gets Finishing Touches for Grand Opening - LUFKIN, TX - The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic will celebrate the opening of its new home at 2206 North John Redditt Drive in Lufkin with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 9 a.m. (06/03/2009)
VA Researchers Identify Potential Risks of Therapies Taken by the Elderly - HOUSTON - Researchers from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) unveiled data during the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2009 conference held in Chicago this week examining the potential risks associated with a commonly-used treatment, particularly among the elderly, antithrombotics. DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians and researchers in the field of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery. (06/03/2009)
Fisher House Continues to Provide a Home Away from Home - HOUSTON - Four years ago this month, Mike and Joyce Kibler from Topeka, Kansas checked into the Fisher House at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) as the first official guests. Since that day, more than 8,500 guests have stayed at this "home away from home" for families of patients receiving medical care at the MEDVAMC. (05/29/2009)
Quality of Care at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Located on a 118-acre campus and built in 1991, MEDVAMC is a state-of-the-art facility with an automated, computer-controlled transport system delivering food, laundry, and supplies throughout the building. The 6-story granite building is designed with 4 exterior sections and 4 atriums containing patio gardens, wheelchair basketball courts, and a rehabilitation pool. On each floor, there are 4 pneumatic trash and linen chutes. Each chute takes soiled linens and the majority of generated trash directly to either dumpsters or the in-house laundry. This eliminates the possibility of moving contaminated items within the main building. (05/21/2009)
Houston VA Psychologist Wins VA Award - HOUSTON - Recently, Wright Williams, Ph.D., a Trauma Recovery Program clinical psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), was awarded the 2009 Department of Veteran Affairs South Central MIRECC Excellence in Education Award. (05/15/2009)
Houston VA Striving to Meet Mental Health Needs of Returning Troops - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has developed and expanded several programs to provide mental health screening, counseling, and early treatment to meet the needs of our nation's newest veterans - the men and women who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq (OIF). (05/13/2009)
Memorial Day Service at Houston VA National Cemetery - HOUSTON - A special Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at the Houston VA National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive. (05/13/2009)
Military Families Coping with Change: OEF/OIF Family Night - Sesame Street t-shirts and other materials for children. Refreshments provided. OEF/OIF service members, veterans, and families with children ages 2-8 years old are encouraged to attend. Sesame Workshop's "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change" Screening. This video is part of Sesame Street Workshop's Talk, Listen, and Connect initiative for military families. The special includes some of children's favorite Sesame Street friends-Elmo and Rosita! It also includes video material that will prompt many questions, such as families dealing with visible physical and invisible injuries. (05/08/2009)
Percutaneous Endovascular Aneurysm Surgery Available at Houston VA - HOUSTON - Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) now have new technology available for endovascular abdominal aneurysm surgery. Percutaneous (through the skin) endovascular abdominal aneurysm surgery allows these procedures to be done without incisions. (05/08/2009)
Why wait in line to have your blood drawn at the Blood Lab? - Avoid the crowds, save time, and have your blood drawn in your Primary Care Clinic! (04/21/2009)
Female Veteran Still Serving Our Nation's Heroes - Houston - Karen Shaver moves quickly. One minute she is in her office getting comfort kits ready to deliver to our female Veterans, the next she is asking the volunteer staff if they need help with anything. (04/21/2009)
Seven Veterans Win Local Art Contest - HOUSTON - Seven local veterans who receive their health care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center have had their art pieces selected to compete in the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Veterans Creative Arts Festival taking place October 5 - 11, 2009 in San Antonio. (04/17/2009)
DeBakey VA Sets the Standard in Delivering More Treatment Options for Liver Cancer - HOUSTON - Physicians at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) now have a powerful new tool with industry-leading microwave technology to ablate soft tissue and effectively treat liver cancer. (04/17/2009)
Houston VA Docs Recognized by Baylor College of Medicine for Excellence in Education - HOUSTON - On April 16, 2009, Baylor College of Medicine selected its outstanding educators for 2008. These faculty members included five physicians from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (04/17/2009)
Medical Journal Praises VA Electronic Health Record - WASHINGTON (April 6, 2009) - A recent study in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine singles out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its successful implementation of a comprehensive system of electronic health records. (04/06/2009)
DeBakey VA's Rapid Response Team Aims to Save Lives - HOUSTON - Following a successful pilot program, a Rapid Response Team was put into action for inpatients at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). The team includes a Medical/Neuro Step-Down nurse practitioner, a respiratory therapist, and a physician, usually the pulmonary fellow or the in-house resident after regular business hours. (03/23/2009)
Local Disabled Veterans Ski the Rocky Mountains - HOUSTON - Four disabled Veterans who receive treatment at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center will be among 400 other disabled Veterans from across the country to ski the Rocky Mountains at the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, March 29 - April 3, 2009. (03/20/2009)
New Technology Allows VA and DoD to Share Patient Records - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Software platforms that bridge the medical databases of VA and DoD are improving military health care. One piece of this architecture, the Bidirectional Health Information Exchange, is a data exchange initiative that permits DoD and VA clinicians to view in real time the electronic health care information stored on each other's computer systems. (03/13/2009)
DeBakey VA Works to Build a Culture of Safety - HOUSTON - The VA National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) recently awarded the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Bronze Cornerstone Recognition Award to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for completion of all root cause analyses within 45 days during fiscal year 2008. (03/12/2009)
VA Dermatologist Battles Skin Cancer - HOUSTON - Dermatologists at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) have a wide variety of treatments, valuable information, and technology at their fingertips to keep veterans from developing skin cancer and treat those who are suffering from the disease. (03/11/2009)
Kalavar Selected as DeBakey VA Chief of Staff - HOUSTON - Jagadeesh S. Kalavar, M.D. was recently selected as the new chief of staff of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). In his new post, Kalavar, who has been with the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1991, will serve as the MEDVAMC's senior medical officer responsible for all clinical care and programs at the main facility in Houston and outpatient clinics.
(03/06/2009)
Houston VA Doctor Named New President of the Association for Academic Surgery - HOUSTON - Daniel Albo, M.D., Ph.D., chief of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), was recently selected as the new president of the Association for Academic Surgery. He is the first Hispanic President of the Association for Academic Surgery. The Association of Academic Surgeons is one of the most prestigious academic surgical societies in the country. (03/05/2009)
Former Surgeon and Current Patient Praises VA - Letter to the editor appeared in February 26 issue of Lufkin Daily News. (02/26/2009)
"Health Buddy" Technology Prods Veterans to Live a Healthier Lifestyle - HOUSTON - Veterans with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure can be monitored at home using special telehealth technologies provided to them by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (02/23/2009)
VA Outpatient Clinic on Galveston Island Reopens - The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center will hold a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony officially re-opening its VA Outpatient Clinic on Galveston Island. (02/18/2009)
Houston VA Again Achieves Consistently Low Surgical Mortality Rates - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) again has been recognized for demonstrating consistently low observed-to-expected mortality rates in general surgery, all surgery, and all non-cardiac surgery. (02/09/2009)
Free Parkinson's Disease Patient & Family Forum - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) Parkinson's Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center (PADRECC) presents a free educational program and forum for veterans, family members, and friends: "Helpful Hints for Memory & Thinking Changes in Parkinson's Disease." The guest speaker is Michele K. York, Ph.D., PADRECC Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine. A question and answer session will follow along with light refreshments. (02/03/2009)
Flu Is Spreading in the Houston Area - Make sure the veterans you know get their flu shots today!! - WHAT: Walk-Up Flu Shots (02/03/2009)
VA Doctor Receives Distinguished Scientist Award - HOUSTON - Blase A. Carabello, M.D., F.A.C.C, acting director of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, recently was selected to receive the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the college's most prestigious research honor. (01/20/2009)
VA Researchers To Create New Way For Bones To Heal - HOUSTON - If you have not broken a bone, you probably know someone who has. Researchers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) challenged themselves to create and develop "fracture putty," a new material that speeds the healing of bone in severe fractures. (01/15/2009)
DeBakey VA Re-Designated Magnet Hospital by American Nurse Credentialing Center - HOUSTON - The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the nation's leading nursing credentialing organization, today again granted its Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). The MEDVAMC is only the second VA medical center in the nation to achieve this recognition, and remains in the group of fellow Texas Medical Center facilities with Magnet status, The Methodist Hospital, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. (01/14/2009)
Quality of Care at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Located on a 118-acre campus and built in 1991, MEDVAMC is a state-of-the-art facility with an automated, computer-controlled transport system delivering food, laundry, and supplies throughout the building. The 6-story granite building is designed with 4 exterior sections and 4 atriums containing patio gardens, wheelchair basketball courts, and a rehabilitation pool. On each floor, there are 4 pneumatic trash and linen chutes. Each chute takes soiled linens and the majority of generated trash directly to either dumpsters or the in-house laundry. This eliminates the possibility of moving contaminated items within the main building. (01/04/2009)
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2008
Houston VA Earns Full Accreditation from AAHRPP - HOUSTON - The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP) announced on December 17 that it had awarded full accreditation to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. (12/29/2008)
2008 Minority Veterans Holiday Reception - On Thursday, December 18, 2008, the Minority Veterans Program Committee at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center will host its 2008 Holiday Reception: Healing Power of the Heart. (12/12/2008)
Chen honored with Epilepsy Society / Milken Early Career Award - HOUSTON - The American Epilepsy Society / Milken Family Foundation Early Career Physicians Scientist Award has been given to David K. Chen, M.D., director of the Neurophysiology Laboratory at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and assistant professor of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine. (12/10/2008)
Houston VA Awarded 3-Year Accreditations for Homeless and Vocational Rehab Programs - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year certification by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. (12/09/2008)
Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at Houston VA - The MEDVAMC will sponsor a Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on Saturday, December 13, 2008. (12/08/2008)
VA Collaborates with Military Blood Bank to Save Precious Resource - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center recently began collaborating with the Robertson Blood Center, a U.S. Army Blood Bank located at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Ft. Hood, Texas to save taxpayer money and maximize the use of a valuable and perishable resource. (12/04/2008)
Texas Veterans Commission Recognizes VA Medical Center Social Worker - HOUSTON, TX - The Texas Veterans Commission named Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) Social Worker Linda Avery the Outstanding VA Employee of the Month for October 2008. (12/02/2008)
DeBakey VA Uses Skill and Technology to Tackle Rare, Life-Threatening Medical Condition - HOUSTON - Recently, a cardiovascular team at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) used their expertise, teamwork, and the latest cutting-edge technology to repair an ascending aortic pseudo-aneurysm, a rare, life-threatening medical condition. (12/02/2008)
Houston VA National Cemetery Participates in 'Wreaths Across America' - HOUSTON - The Houston VA National Cemetery will again participate in the "Wreaths Across America" campaign by holding a special ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. This year, the goal is to place approximately 14,000 wreaths on headstones to express appreciation for the past, present, and future sacrifices of our nation's veterans and their families. (12/01/2008)
66 Houston VA Docs Listed as "Best Doctors" in the Nation - HOUSTON - The medical knowledge company, Best Doctors, Inc. has included 66 physicians who provide patient care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in the latest compilation of The Best Doctors in America® database. (11/17/2008)
Study shows need for increased education about panic attacks - HOUSTON - (Nov. 14, 2008) - The symptoms of panic attacks are frequently confused by physicians with other problems, indicating a need for better education in the area, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who surveyed physicians on the topic. A report of their study appears in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. (11/17/2008)
Houston VA Laboratory Earns Accreditation from College of American Pathologists - HOUSTON - The laboratory at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. (11/12/2008)
Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at Houston VA - The MEDVAMC will sponsor a Free Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on Saturday, November 22, 2008. (11/06/2008)
Retraining the Brain with Extraordinary Eyeglasses - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), a leader in the treatment and rehabilitation of veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), is continuing to adapt its programs and offer cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of the men and women who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq (OIF). The latest breakthrough is the use of specialized prism eyeglasses that retrain the brain to treat hemispatial neglect. (11/03/2008)
VA Physician Receives Prestigious Lynn Payer Award - HOUSTON - The American Academy on Communication in Healthcare (AACH) recently awarded its 2008 Lynn Payer Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Literature on the Theory, Practice and Teaching of Effective Healthcare Communication and Related Skills to Paul Haidet, M.D. a staff physician at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. The presentation was made at the AACH Research and Teaching Forum on October 18, 2008 in Madison, Wisconsin. (10/30/2008)
Veterans Day Event To Be Held in Downtown Houston - HOUSTON - The 10th Annual Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Commemoration and Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in downtown Houston. The Houston VA National Cemetery, in conjunction with the City of Houston, is proud to continue the tradition of honoring the brave men and women who have risked their lives for our great nation. This year's theme is "We Remember." (10/28/2008)
Houston VA Hosts 8th Stand Down for Homeless Veterans - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, in cooperation with the City of Houston - Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department, City of Houston - Office of Veterans Affairs, Coalition for the Homeless, George R. Brown Convention Center, Harris County Hospital District, Harris County Veteran Services, Houston Police Department, Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, Task Force for Houston Area Homeless Veterans, U.S. Veterans Initiative, VA Regional Office and Vet Centers is hosting the 8th Houston Area Stand Down for homeless Veterans on November 5 - 6, 2008 at the John P. McGovern Veterans Health Care and Service Center located at 1418 Preston Street. A health and social services fair will also be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall A. (10/20/2008)
DeBakey VA Brings Voter Registration to Veterans - HOUSTON, TEXAS - Get-out-the-vote efforts this year at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) provided voter registration information to inpatient veterans this campaign season. (10/17/2008)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event - In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, National Industries for the Blind, and the AbilityOne Program have joined forces to host a special event on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the 4th Floor Auditorium. (10/14/2008)
Wait Time for Knee Replacement Surgery Cut by 92% - HOUSTON - Decreasing the amount of time veterans wait for health care appointments continues to be a high priority for administrators at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). By focusing on ways to improve operating room efficiency and providing additional support services, the wait time for Total Knee Arthoplasty (TKA) surgery has decreased by 92 percent. (10/06/2008)
Houston VA Physician to Serve on Physician Faculty Scholars National Advisory Committee - HOUSTON - Laura Petersen, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., staff physician and principal investigator, Houston VA Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Excellence at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, was one of five senior investigators from the Department of Veterans Affairs' Research and Development program selected to serve on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Physician Faculty Scholars national advisory committee. She and her colleagues on the national advisory committee will serve as mentors to VA and non-VA physician faculty scholars and participate in the general oversight and direction of the Physician Faculty Scholars program. (10/02/2008)
DeBakey VA Earns ENERGY STAR for Superior Energy Efficiency - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Commercial buildings and industrial plants that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency may qualify for the ENERGY STAR. (10/01/2008)
Hurricane Ike Doesn't Slow Down Food Service Workers at VA - HOUSTON - As Hurricane Ike took aim at the Texas Gulf Coast, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) went into emergency preparedness mode. A vital part of that preparation is ensuring all 430 inpatients continue to receive healthy, nutritious meals. (09/29/2008)
Unruffled Nurses Help Patients Weather Hurricane Ike - HOUSTON - When Hurricane Ike unleashed 100 mile an hour winds that tore rooftops from homes and trees out of the ground, nurses throughout the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) used their skill, creativity, and experience to make sure their patients remained calm and comfortable. (09/25/2008)
VA Physicians Exploring Effectiveness of Bipolar Disorder Medications on Older Adults - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is currently conducting two clinical research studies for patients over the age of 60 with bipolar disorder. (09/25/2008)
Gold Star Mothers' Ceremony at Houston VA National Cemetery - In honor of those mothers whose sons or daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the Houston VA National Cemetery, the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Veterans Incarcerated/Veterans Redeemed will host a Gold Star Mothers' Ceremony on September 28, 2008 at 1 p.m. (09/25/2008)
PUBLIC NOTICE: MAGNET RECOGNITION PROGRAM SITE VISIT - Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center was designated as a Magnet organization in 2004 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. This prestigious designation recognizes excellence in nursing services. In 2008, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center is applying for re-designation. (09/23/2008)
VA Clinic in Beaumont Reopens - BEAUMONT, TX - With power and water restored, the Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 3420 Veterans Circle, reopened for normal business on Tuesday, September 23, 2008. (09/23/2008)
South Central VA Health Care Network Medical Facilities - JACKSON, MS - Despite the damage and devastation Hurricane Ike caused in southeast Texas and other areas near the Gulf Coast recently, the South Central Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Care Network, also known as the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16, continues to provide an environment of care conducive to veterans affected by the storm. Numerous health care professionals, as well as support teams from the Network's medical centers in New Orleans, LA and surrounding areas have been mobilized and will stand up healthcare for veterans in the affected areas. (09/23/2008)
SLVHCS offers support to Texas neighbor to ensure prompt return of services to Veterans - NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 19, 2008) - Employees of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), formerly the New Orleans VA, can empathize with the struggles of returning care to Veterans following a major hurricane. That's why when the Houston VAMC asked for assistance with staff and supplies to ensure the prompt return of services at their Beaumont, Texas Clinic, New Orleans did not hesitate in responding. (09/22/2008)
VA Mobile Health Clinic Opens in Beaumont - BEAUMONT, TX - A Department of Veterans Affairs mobile health clinic and pharmacy will open in the parking lot of the Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 3420 Veterans Circle, on Saturday, September 20, 2008. It will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. (09/19/2008)
VA Mental Health Annex in Lufkin Reopens - LUFKIN, TX - With electrical power restored, the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic (CWOPC) Mental Health Annex, located at 1514 Ellis Street in Lufkin, reopened for normal business on Friday, September 19, 2008. In addition, the bus transporting veterans from Lufkin to Houston for medical appointments is running as normal. (09/19/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Friday, September 19, 2008, Noon - To assist our VA family in recovery efforts from Hurricane Ike, VCS is extending assistance to help you secure essential supplies and other replacement items for your homes. Effective Friday, September 19, and until further notice, VCS is increasing our payroll deduction limits for MEDVAMC and VARO employees. Our payroll deduction line of credit will increase from $1250 to $2500. This increase will not effect the maximum repayment of $125 per pay period but simply extend the repayments terms. (09/19/2008)
VA Clinic in Texas City Reopens on Monday - TEXAS CITY, TX - The Texas City VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 206 near the Mainland Mall, will reopen for normal business on Monday, September 22, 2008. (09/19/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Thursday, September 18, 2008, Noon - If you have gas and can offer a ride to a fellow employee or you do not have gas and need a ride to get to work, please contact Ray Glover, Transportation Coordinator at 713-791-1414 ext. 4722 or email Ray.Glover@va.gov. The plan is to match up co-workers who live near each other and pull together during this difficult time. (09/18/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Noon - The offer for free gas by the Texas Medical Center was only for Monday, September 15, 2008. This offer has now expired. We will let you know if another opportunity presents itself. (09/17/2008)
Houston VA Sends Mobile Clinic to Assist Veterans in Texas City - HOUSTON - A Department of Veterans Affairs mobile health clinic will leave the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 6 a.m. and make its way to the Texas City community. (09/17/2008)
VA Clinic in Conroe Reopens on Wednesday - CONROE, TX - The Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 800 Riverwood Court, Suite 100, will reopen for normal business on Wednesday, September 17, 2008. (09/17/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 3 p.m. - The offer for free gas by the Texas Medical Center was only for Monday, September 15, 2008. This offer has now expired. We will let you know if another opportunity presents itself. (09/17/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, Noon - MEDVAMC is fully functional and attempting to resume normal operations. Staff should report to duty as scheduled. (09/16/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Monday, September 15, 2008, Noon - MEDVAMC is fully functional and attempting to resume normal operations. Staff should report to duty as scheduled. If you cannot report, contact your supervisor or the VA Employee Hotline by calling 1-866-233-0152. You are required to check in with your status, location, and contact information. Operators are available 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. (09/15/2008)
VA Clinic in Lufkin Reopens on Tuesday - LUFKIN, TX - The Charles Wilson Outpatient Clinic (CWOPC) in Lufkin will reopen for normal business on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the main clinic building located at 1301 West Frank Avenue. (09/15/2008)
Hurricane or Not; Veteran Gets New Liver - HOUSTON - While surge waters crashed the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast and neighborhoods boarded up windows, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) performed an orthotopic liver transplantation on a 59 year-old, U.S. Army veteran from Missouri. (09/15/2008)
VA Medical Center in Houston Open for Business on Tuesday - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. All primary care and specialty care clinics at the main VA hospital in Houston will be open. (09/15/2008)
VA's Computerized Patient Record System Allows Houston Veteran Evacuees to Receive Care Nationwide - DALLAS - With Hurricane Ike on the horizon, many veterans in southeast Texas were ordered to evacuate the area. Today, hundreds are far from their homes, staying with relatives or in shelters and hotels as far away as Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kentucky. But due to VA's progressive Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), all patient records, prescriptions, and laboratory and radiology results on every Houston-area VA patient are available at any VA medical center and by any VA physician nationwide. (09/14/2008)
Hurricane Ike Daily Update: Sunday, September 14, 2008, 10 a.m. - MEDVAMC is fully functional and attempting to resume normal operations. Staff should report to duty as scheduled. If you cannot report, you should contact your supervisor or the VA Employee Hotline by calling 1-866-233-0152. You are required to check in with your status, location, and contact information. Operators are available 24 hours, seven days a week until further notice. You may call as soon as you have contact information available or within 48 hours of the hurricane. (09/14/2008)
Houston VA Functional; But Not Routine Business - HOUSTON - With electrical power restored to its main health care facility in Houston, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is attempting to resume normal operations. (09/14/2008)
Elevator Usage - Currently, the MEDVAMC is experiencing some spot electrical problems affecting the elevators. Only one elevator per bank is operational at this time. Elevator use is limited to patient care activities only. Employees and family members must use the stairs. If you have any questions, please contact Logistics at ext. 8554. (09/13/2008)
VA Outpatient Clinics Closing in Anticipation of Storm - HOUSTON - In response to the approach of Hurricane Ike toward the Texas Gulf Coast, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) announces the following closures: (09/11/2008)
VA Outpatient Clinic in Beaumont Closed September 11-12, 2008 - BEAUMONT, TX - In response to the approach of Hurricane Ike toward the Texas Gulf Coast, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has cancelled all outpatient appointments at the Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 3420 Veterans Circle, on Thursday and Friday, September 11-12, 2008. (09/11/2008)
DeBakey VA Readies for Hurricane Ike - HOUSTON - In response to the approach of Hurricane Ike toward the Texas Gulf Coast, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is stocking all necessary fuel, water, food, medications, and supplies, and making arrangements for essential staff to be on hand to meet the health care needs of veterans. (09/10/2008)
VA Outpatient Clinics in Texas City and Galveston Closed Friday, September 12 - HOUSTON - In response to the approach of Hurricane Ike toward the Texas Gulf Coast, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has cancelled all appointments at the outpatient clinics in Galveston and Texas City on Friday, September 12, 2008. All other outpatient clinics will remain operational at this time. (09/10/2008)
Free Parkinson's Disease Patient & Family Forum - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) Parkinson's Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center (PADRECC) presents a free educational program and forum for veterans, family members, and friends: "Update on Parkinson's Disease." The guest speaker is Eugene C. Lai, M.D., Ph.D., PADRECC director and professor of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine. A question and answer session will follow. (09/05/2008)
DeBakey VA Touts 3-Month Mark with No Hospital-Acquired MRSA Infections - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is marking three months without a hospital-acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in its Medical Intensive Care, Surgical Intensive Care, and Cardiac Care Units. (09/04/2008)
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Selects Houston VA Physician to Receive Award - HOUSTON - Aanand Naik, M.D., Medical Care Line staff physician and investigator at the Health Services Research and Development Service Center of Excellence at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Section of Health Services Research, was notified that his proposal, "Controlled Trial of Goal-Setting for Diabetes Control in Minority Communities" will be supported by the Clinical Scientist Development Award (CSDA) from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. (09/03/2008)
Silver Eagles Bring Home 24 Medals - HOUSTON - From the East Coast to the West Coast, more than 700 "golden age" veterans poured into Indianapolis, Indiana to participate in the largest sports and recreational competition for older veterans in the world. The 22nd National Veterans Golden Age Games, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was held last month. (09/02/2008)
VA Outpatient Clinics Reopen Wednesday - HOUSTON - The Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic and the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin will return to normal operations on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. The vans transporting veterans to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston will also run as normal. (09/02/2008)
Lufkin VA Outpatient Clinic Closes in Anticipation of Flooding - LUFKIN, TX - In response to expected flooding and poor road conditions in the path of Hurricane Gustav, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has cancelled all outpatient appointments at the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic, located at 1301 Frank Avenue in Lufkin, on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. (09/01/2008)
Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic Closes in Response to Hurricane Gustav - HOUSTON - In response to the approach of Hurricane Gustav toward the Gulf Coast, emergency management officials have ordered a mandatory evacuation for all of Orange and Jefferson counties commencing at 6 a.m., Sunday, August 31, 2008. (08/30/2008)
Patient Restraint Use Drops Dramatically at DeBakey VA - HOUSTON - Since the introduction of the VA's Patient Restraint Policy in 2001, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has made significant progress in minimizing the use of patient restraints by its staff. A restraint can be defined as any device that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body. This achievement is yet another example of VA's commitment to provide the best health care possible for our veterans. (08/25/2008)
Houston VA National Cemetery Participates in 'Wreaths Across America' - HOUSTON - The Houston VA National Cemetery will again participate in the "Wreaths Across America" campaign by holding a special ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. This year, the goal is to place a wreath at every gravesite - more than 53,000. (08/21/2008)
Silver Eagles Head to Indianapolis for National Veterans Golden Age Games - HOUSTON - Twenty-eight local "golden age" veterans who receive their care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will travel to Indianapolis August 20 - 24, 2008, to compete in the largest sports and recreational competition for senior veterans in the world. (08/15/2008)
Special Team at Houston VA Ensures Returning Combat Troops Receive Care - HOUSTON - Robert Engelbrecht was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device, Dillon Cannon was paralyzed by a sniper's bullet, and David Lewis was partially blinded by a rocket-propelled grenade. These brave individuals are but three of our nation's newest veterans - the men and women who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq (OIF). (08/15/2008)
Texas City and Galveston VA Clinics to Close Tuesday, August 5 - HOUSTON - In response to the projected path of Tropical Storm Edouard, the Texas City and Galveston VA Clinics will close on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. (08/04/2008)
Houston VA Medical Center Cancels August 5 Morning Appointments - HOUSTON - In response to the projected path of Tropical Storm Edouard, the Houston VA Medical Center is cancelling outpatient clinic appointments scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, August 5, 2008. (08/04/2008)
Fishing Cast into Rehab Therapy for Veterans - HOUSTON - Recreation therapists at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) are teaming up with the Texas Flyfishers of Houston to give injured veterans a crack at fly fishing and add a bit of fun to the rehabilitation process. (07/28/2008)
Joint Commission Recognizes DeBakey VA for Best Practices in Fight against Superbugs - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will be featured in an upcoming educational video produced by The Joint Commission, the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting health care organization. The film focuses on the MEDVAMC's bottom-to-top emphasis on preventing the spread of infections, particularly Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). (07/23/2008)
Groundbreaking Partnership Ensures Veterans and Caregivers Tap All Available Resources - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has formed a groundbreaking partnership with the Houston Alzheimer's Association to provide comprehensive services to veterans suffering from dementia or other memory-related illnesses, and possibly more significantly, to their caregivers. (07/22/2008)
Fact Sheet - Located on a 118-acre campus and built in 1991, MEDVAMC is a state-of-the-art facility with an automated, computer-controlled transport system delivering food, laundry, and supplies throughout the building. The 6-story granite building is designed with 4 exterior sections and 4 atriums containing patio gardens, wheelchair basketball courts, and a rehabilitation pool. All long-term care units at the facility were specifically designed for current use. (07/21/2008)
Local Disabled Athletes Head to Omaha for 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games - HOUSTON, TEXAS -Three local wheelchair athletes are heading to Omaha, Nebraska, to compete in the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, July 25 -29, 2008. The athletes are all disabled Veterans who receive their health care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas. (07/15/2008)
Houston VA Mourns Passing of Dr. Michael E. DeBakey - On behalf of the veterans, volunteers, and staff of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, it is with profound sadness we announce the death of soldier, surgeon, statesman, and our namesake, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. (07/15/2008)
Houston VA Uses Novel Aquatic Plyometrics to Advance Patient Rehab - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) uses aquatic plyometrics as an integral component of its rehabilitation program. Aquatic therapists at the MEDVAMC combine plyometric exercise with water to assist patients who have balance difficulties or are recovering from injury. This technique helps augment the rehabilitation process and may allow a patient to begin a difficult exercise program in a weight-limited environment. (07/09/2008)
Important VA Telephone Numbers - Important VA Telephone Numbers (Please post near your telephone.) (07/02/2008)
Houston VA Opens New Residential and Therapeutic Facility for Homeless Veterans - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) opened a 40-bed domiciliary residence for homeless Veterans on June 30, 2008. The new facility, located at 7329 Fannin Street, features 14 apartments with kitchenettes and a 40-person dining facility. (07/02/2008)
VA To Open 4 New Outpatient Clinics before Winter 2009 - HOUSTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it will open four new community-based outpatient clinics in southeast Texas to provide primary care, phlebotomy, social work, nutrition, and mental health services for veterans. Before winter 2009, VA clinics staffed by VA personnel will open in Katy, Lake Jackson, Richmond/Rosenberg, and Tomball. (06/26/2008)
Veterans Have Direct Input into Quality of Health Care - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has formed two new nursing governance councils, the Nursing Leadership Council (NLC) and the Clinical Staff Council (CSC). The purpose of these councils is to ensure its patients continue to receive only the highest quality nursing care with access to the latest in nursing innovations and technology. Veterans play key roles and offer valuable insight as committee members on these councils. (06/26/2008)
VA Physician Invents Antibacterial Envelope for Surgical Implants - HOUSTON - Rabih O. Darouiche, M.D., staff physician in the Medical Care and Spinal Cord Injury Care Lines at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), is one of the inventors of an innovative antibacterial envelope for surgical implants. (06/20/2008)
DeBakey VA Celebrates 7th Birthday of Child Born during Tropical Storm Allison - In June 2001, when Kimberly Young attempted to get to the hospital to deliver her second child, she was unable to reach her original destination due to flooded streets and rising water in the Texas Medical Center. Tropical Storm Allison maneuvered her and her husband, Keith Wayne Young, Jr., to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) where surgeons and other support staff delivered their little baby girl. The Youngs commemorated the location of the baby's birth by naming her Asia VA Keithera Young. (06/18/2008)
Veterans Get New Smiles Fast Using High-Tech Dentistry - HOUSTON - Dentists at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center are restoring teeth and giving veterans new smiles in a single sitting thanks to the latest in computer-design technology. (06/10/2008)
Quilting Guild Makes Memorable Donation to Houston VA - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently received a heartfelt donation of 47 quilts from the Gulf Coast Quilter's Guild of Alvin, Texas. (06/06/2008)
DeBakey VA Medical Center Awarded Re-Accreditation from The Joint Commission - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has achieved re-accreditation from The Joint Commission as a result of its demonstrated compliance with the organization's nationally recognized health care standards. The Joint Commission's on-site survey of the MEDVAMC and its outpatient clinics occurred April 7 - 11, 2008. (06/05/2008)
Oldest Veteran at DeBakey VA Celebrates 95th Birthday - The MEDVAMC will celebrate the 95th birthday of World War II veteran Theodore Kopycinski on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 2 p.m. (06/04/2008)
Houston VA Physician's Proposal Awarded Prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant - HOUSTON - Laura Petersen, M.D., M.P.H, principal investigator of the Houston VA Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Excellence, was recently notified that her proposal, "Does Pay-for-Performance Improve the Quality of Hypertension Care for Black Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial," received $275,000 in funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) program, Finding Answers: Disparities Research for Change. Of the 134 brief proposals submitted to the program, RWJF only awards grants to ten after a comprehensive site visit. (05/27/2008)
Houston VA to Recognize National VA Research Week - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will celebrate National VA Research Week, May 11-17, 2008. As part of the nationwide observance, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will host a Research Symposium on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 11:30 a.m., in the 4th Floor Auditorium. (05/08/2008)
Houston VA Employees Recognized at Public Service Awards - HOUSTON - Today, the Houston Federal Executive Board and the Federal Business Association presented two public service awards to employees of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (05/07/2008)
Suicide Prevention Essential Part of Care for Returning Troops - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has developed and expanded several programs to provide mental health crisis response, screening, counseling, and early treatment to meet the needs of our nation's newest veterans - the men and women who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq (OIF). (05/06/2008)
Memorial Day Service at Houston VA National Cemetery - HOUSTON - A special Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at the Houston VA National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive. (05/05/2008)
Houston VA Docs Recognized by Baylor College of Medicine for Excellence in Education - HOUSTON - On April 30, 2008, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) selected its outstanding educators for 2007. These faculty members included eight physicians, two being multiple winners, from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (05/01/2008)
Cocaine-Addiction Vaccinations Could Soon Come Reality - There are vaccines for all kinds of diseases, but a Houston VA doctor has now developed one for cocaine addiction. FOX 26's Ned Hibberd reports. Another clinical trial is scheduled for this summer. (04/29/2008)
Cardiac Pioneer DeBakey Receives Congressional Gold Medal - WASHINGTON - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake applauded the recognition given to Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, a Houston-based cardiac pioneer with long ties to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for receiving the Congressional Gold Medal during a special ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. (04/24/2008)
Special Showing of Documentary, "Resilience to Trauma" - This documentary, featuring the true stories of several World War II prisoners of war who receive care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), won two bronze awards in the 29th Annual Telly Award competition. (04/24/2008)
Fact Sheet - Located on a 118-acre campus and built in 1991, MEDVAMC is a state-of-the-art facility with an automated, computer-controlled transport system delivering food, laundry, and supplies throughout the building. The 6-story granite building is designed with 4 exterior sections and 4 atriums containing patio gardens, wheelchair basketball courts, and a rehabilitation pool. All long-term care units at the facility were specifically designed for current use. (04/21/2008)
Houston VA Web site Gets Overhaul - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has revamped and updated its Web site to make it more user-friendly and easier for veterans to find out about VA health benefits and services. (04/08/2008)
VA Employee's Suggestion Brings Big Change in Patient Safety - HOUSTON - Certified Nursing Assistant and U.S. Army veteran Charles Dougherty made a simple suggestion that turned into a major improvement in patient safety at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (04/07/2008)
VA Chief of Staff Retires; Will Coordinate Research Consortium - Though he retired April 1 as chief of staff at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Thomas Horvath, M.D. will remain busy in the Texas Medical Center coordinating a new research consortium. (04/04/2008)
VA to Focus on Women Vets - The Houston VA is getting more than $12 million for health care services. It includes establishing a mental health unit exclusively for women veterans. Mental Health Care Line Acting Deputy Director Anna Teague says the medical profession still has a lot to learn about post traumatic stress disorder and other combat related illnesses in women. (04/02/2008)
Houston VA Incorporates Innovative Use of Video Game into Patient Rehab - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has incorporated a popular video game system, the Nintendo Wii, into its traditional physical rehabilitation program. This new tactic helps in masking the often painful and tedious rehabilitation process and increases a patient's motivation and enthusiasm to continue therapy. (04/02/2008)
Houston VA Gets Extra $12.3 Million for Health Care Projects - HOUSTON - Approximately $12.3 million has been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs' South Central VA Health Care Network for health care improvements at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). The MEDVAMC was notified last month about this supplement to its current budget of about $542 million. These additional funds will be used to expand specialty care at its outpatient clinics in Beaumont, Conroe, and Lufkin; add 20 inpatient beds to its Mental Health Care Line; boost dental services; increase space for radiotherapy technology; and support several smaller projects. (04/01/2008)
Houston VA Significantly Expands Visual Impairment Services - HOUSTON - Eye trauma, from sight impairment to blindness, accounts for more than 15 percent of all serious wounds suffered by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Army statistics. In addition, VA estimates there are more than one million visually impaired veterans over the age of 45 in the United States, with that number likely to grow as the age of the average veteran rises. (03/25/2008)
Award-Winning Documentary Features Survival Stories of Houston WWII Prisoners of War - HOUSTON - A documentary film featuring the true stories of several World War II prisoners of war, who receive care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), has won two bronze awards in the 29th Annual Telly Award competition. (03/24/2008)
Local Disabled Veterans Ski the Rocky Mountains - HOUSTON - Eight disabled veterans who receive treatment at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center will be among 450 other disabled veterans from across the country, including nearly 120 recently injured during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF), to ski the Rocky Mountains at the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, March 30 â?? April 4, 2008. (03/24/2008)
VA Medical Center Director Recognized for Ability to Effectively Train Leaders of Tomorrow - HOUSTON - Edgar L. Tucker, B.A., M.P.H., F.A.C.H.E., director of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), has been selected as the 2008 VA's Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program preceptor of the year. The award was presented at the 2008 American College of Healthcare Executives Congress on Healthcare Leadership: VA Symposium in Chicago by Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake, M.D., Under Secretary for Health for the Veterans Health Administration Michael J. Kussman, M.D., and Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management in the Veterans Health Administration William F. Feeley. (03/21/2008)
Houston VA Doctor Named to National Surgery Quality Board - HOUSTON - David H. Berger, M.D., M.H.C.M., Operative Care Line executive at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, was recently selected to serve on the National Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Executive Committee. (03/20/2008)
Volunteer Drives the Spirit of Volunteerism - HOUSTON, TX - Roy Fikes begins his volunteer day at 2:30 a.m., when he gets ready, completes his paperwork, picks up his riders, and is on his way to Houston by 5:15 a.m. Fikes volunteers his time by driving veterans from Bay City to Houston for their appointments at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (03/18/2008)
Number of Homeless Vets Drops 21 Percent - WASHINGTON - The number of veterans homeless on a typical night has declined 21 percent in the past year, thanks to the services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its partners in community- and faith-based organizations, plus changing demographics and improvements in survey techniques. (03/06/2008)
VA Study Examines Effects of Communication on Improving Hypertension Control in Diabetic Patients - HOUSTON - Researchers at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) have found three doctor-patient communication factors that are significantly associated with blood pressure control in diabetes. The study, by Aanand D. Naik, M.D., Medical Care Line staff physician, Annette Walder, M.S., Research Care Line, Richard L. Street Jr., Ph.D., Research Care Line, and Michael A, Kallen, Ph.D., will appear in the March 18, 2008 issue of "Circulation" along with an accompanying editorial. (03/06/2008)
Houston VA Receives Grant to Develop Vaccines to Fight Addiction - HOUSTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a research grant to Frank Orson, M.D., Medical Care Line staff physician and principal investigator, Therese Kosten, Ph.D., Research Service Line co-investigator, and Thomas Kosten, M.D., senior advisor on Substance Abuse based in the Mental Health Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) to develop an improved cocaine vaccine. (03/05/2008)
Houston VA Earns Accreditation from Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education - HOUSTON - The dietetic internship program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has been granted re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. (03/04/2008)
Help is Just a Phone Call Away - HOUSTON - The first voice a veteran hears when he or she calls the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is often that of a Telecare employee. Now six years old, the Telecare Center is committed to providing exceptional medical and health care advice to veterans on the telephone. (03/04/2008)
Houston VA Receives Re-Accreditation from American College of Radiology - HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has again been awarded a full three-year term of accreditation for its radiation oncology services as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). (02/27/2008)
Life Savers: Liver Transplant Program - Physicians at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, completed their first liver transplant surgery last November. The recipient, Michael J. Abshire, Webster, TX, and his wife came to the medical center in early January for follow-up labs and physician appointments, something Michael will have to participate in for the rest of his life. (02/18/2008)
Comprehensive Reference Book for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Published by Houston VA Experts - HOUSTON - Parkinson's disease experts at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently published Neurorehabilitation in Parkinson's Disease: An Evidence-Based Treatment Model, a comprehensive theoretical and clinical reference for the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease. (02/14/2008)
Congress Passes Enhanced Benefits for Veterans - WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to enhance benefits for many of our nation's Veterans, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2008 extends the period of enhanced VA health care eligibility provided to Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998. This includes combat Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Iraq. (02/07/2008)
Houston VA Physician Receives Grant for Hepatitis C Research - HOUSTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a $450,000 research grant to Hashem El-Serag, M.D., M.P.H., a staff physician in the Research Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). (02/05/2008)
Free Parkinson's Disease Patient & Family Forum: "New Technology for Measuring Movement Disorders" - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) Parkinson's Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center (PADRECC) presents a free educational program and forum for veterans, family members, and friends: "New Technology for Measuring Movement Disorders." The guest speaker is Max Kurz, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Health & Human Performance, University of Houston. A discussion of research opportunities with MEDVAMC neurologists will follow. (01/25/2008)
Houston VA Performs Complex Surgery for Intractable Epilepsy - HOUSTON - An estimated two million Americans of all ages have epilepsy. Most are successfully treated with medications, but more than 30 percent of epileptic patients are termed drug-resistant, experiencing frequent, sometimes disabling seizures. Surgical procedures being offered at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) offer veterans suffering from this lifelong problem the hope of freedom from seizures. (01/16/2008)
Houston VA Doctor Named President of Association of University Cardiologists - HOUSTON - Blase A. Carabello, M.D., Medical Care Line executive at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, was recently selected as the new president of the Association of University Cardiologists (AUC). (01/15/2008)
Report by Congressional Watchdogs Highlights VA Strengths - WASHINGTON - The health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) received a highly favorable review in an interim report recently published by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The report credits organizational restructuring and management systems, performance measurement and information technology (IT) as contributors to VA's success. It also outlines ways in which VA can continue serving as a model for other health care systems. (01/09/2008)
Palliative Care, Not Just About Dying - HOUSTON - When the World War II Navy veteran died in May, his daughter felt at peace. That was largely because of the support of the Palliative Care Team at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) during his last months of life, she says. (01/09/2008)
Veterans Find Botox a Surprising Answer for Painful Muscle Spasms - HOUSTON - The second Tuesday of every month may seem like a regular day for many, but for staff in the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center (PADRECC) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), the bustle of activity begins early in preparation for a specialized clinic - the "BOTOX Clinic." (01/08/2008)
American Journal of Public Health Cites VA's Health Care Successes - The December issue of The American Journal of Public Health includes an editorial and articles commending the Department of Veterans Affairs' health care system, saying VA has emerged as a national health care leader. (01/03/2008)
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