OAA

More than 500 participants from minority-serving institutions, academic affiliates and professional organizations attended VA’s 2021 Minority Summit to find ways to advance VA academic partnerships and expand diversity in health professions trainees.

VA partners with medical schools and colleges to provide training programs at VA facilities. As a result of that partnership, VA Bedford has a renewed focus on leading-edge training in geriatrics.

VA post-baccalaureate RN and nurse practitioner residencies prepare highly qualified nursing professionals for VA and the nation. Of VA’s 80,000 nurses, 55% are eligible for retirement.

The 2021 Minority Summit will highlight VA clinical training opportunities, scholarships, loan programs and research grants. It aims to explore ideas and strategies to increase the diversity of VA’s health workforce.

Student Nurse Day honors student nurses, approximately 25,000 of whom train at VA each year. Registered nurse and nurse practitioner residents are critical to VA and nation’s nursing workforce.

VA proudly joins other federal agencies recognizing National Minority Health Month. Time to raise awareness about the health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minority populations.

Policy Memorandum Number 2, signed Jan, 30, 1946, provided the legal basis for affiliations between VA and the nation’s medical schools, launching a long tradition of collaborative partnerships.

VA trains upwards of 70% of America’s future health care providers, benefitting the trainees and our Veterans who receive state of the art medical treatment and access to clinical research trials.