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TOP DOC COMMENTS BY SUBMITERS
LT. COL Lawrence S. Epstein US Army Retired, wishes to nominate the following doctors regarding his care at the James A. Haley VA Hospital as an out patient. He is 100% disabled and terminal with ALS given 1 1/2-2 years to live in December of 2006 and still alive and kicking hoping to see the Yankees win the World Series this year. He moved to Tampa on the recommendations of his VA doctors in Manhattan in the hopes of extending his life and or improving the quality of the end of his life, both of which he feels can be attributed to his care and the hopes and needs of all veteran ALS patients for a same day clinic to care for their needs as such with same day clinical services. Thank you in advance for the opportunity to provide you this information and please feel free to contact us if you need any other facts.
Dr. Marion Ridley ENT James A. Haley VA Hospital
Doctor Ridley has administered and observed residents doing same, botox injections to salivatory glands which help to keep oral secretions down and prevent patient from aspirating, thus improving quality of life and helping to prevent a more invasive procedure to achieve this. He is thoughtful, careful and very knowledgeable in this procedure which does not always produce positive results, but have done so this far with Mr. Epstein. This keeps him communicating and ensuring that his wishes be followed as he has requested.
Dr. William Anderson PULMONARY James A. Haley VA Hospital
Doctor Anderson was instrumental in ensuring that Mr. Epstein received the correct required piece of equipment, an A-VAP machine in which recommendations have come down form the ALS National Office that if used properly can prevent 95% of ALS patients from having a tracheotomy, at Mr. Epstein's Respiratory Pap Clinic appointment on 18-08-09. We discussed the book written by Dr. Bach of the NJ University of Medicine and Dentistry that came up with the research along with others around the country, for these recommendations. He told us he has a copy of the book. Larry is very pleased and thankful for being able to have this type of treatment at this stage of his progressive disease and remain in his own home.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence S. Epstein
I would like to nominate Dr. Jon Sherrod, outpatient clinic physician at Sheffield Al. He will address any problem, explain and deliniate your lab results and discuss the pros and cons of issues you bring up.
Our nominee is Major James Hitchcock, USAF
Belleville, IL
Dr. Hitchcock is an extraordinarily competent and compassionate physician who has been the steadfast care manager for my wife through more than three years of complications that have included several hospitalizations, bilateral bell's palsy, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, a MRSA infection on her face and several other more common maladies. Throughout he has been there for her, maintaining close contact with us via email, phone and visits. In the middle of this period he was deployed to Iraq, but he picked up the threads of her problems immediately on his return. The clinic where he practices is also closely associated with St. Elizabeth's hospital in Belleville, IL and he plays a strong role in an intern program that allows new USAF physicians to develop and broaden their medical skills. Dr. Hitchcock is recognized by peers and subordinates for medical excellence and his human approach to people. He is both a superb physician and "poster doctor" for the United States Air Force. We are blessed to be under his care.
Alan Dooley, CAPT, US Navy (retired)
Dr. A Koko
VA Hospital Fayetteville Arkansas
Dr. Koko is a caring individual with great support staff. He does not rush through his work and takes time with all veterans
Patient:
Ronal Light
As a 100% disabled, service connected veteran, I've been involved with the VA and have been to many different Clinics/Hospitals throughout the US. For the past 8 years my primary physician has been Cynthia Dawson at the Orlando VA Regional Medical Center. The past few years have been very difficult due to many ailments, some serious and some normal. Dr. Dawson has gone above and beyond what most physicians consider good health practices. She has always insured that I'm getting the proper health treatments, even so far as to call my home, cell, work to check on me and set up my appointments. During one of my recent MAC infections, I was seeing Dr. Dawson and 2 Specialists for my treatments. All 3 of these doctors were in different teams at the ORVAMC and my visits were several times a week to include numerous tests, medications that included IV self administered medications several times a day for a year. Each visit to the ORVAMC involved a lot of walking as my 3 doctors were in different teams/locations around the facility. Dr Dawson was transferred to the Green Team, as was Dr Clincea and my other specialist Dr Geigel was already assigned to the team. Upon learning that now all 3 of my major doctors were in one location, I was overjoyed as in my weakened condition, walking was not a favorite pastime. Dr Dawson went the VA Admin and had me transferred to her team. This alone is above and beyond but her treatment and "bedside manner" are also always above and beyond. During the past two years my wife has been fighting cancer and of course I have been emotionally distraught. Dr. Dawson has always kept up on my wife's condition through me and has always help console me when I was down. Sometimes, just her smile is all it takes or the personal cards that she has sent to my wife and myself. Recently, I have been having problems getting my narcotic pain medications. Due to the appropriate practice by VA to have an adult sign for the delivery via Fed Ex. This practice is fine IF someone is at home to sign for it but with my wife's daily medical treatments, i.e. chemotherapy/radiation, and the fact that I still HAVE to work 4 days a week, coordinating my receipt of my medications sometimes involved having deliveries rescheduled or personally making a trip to the Fed Ex/USPS/UPS facility. She has enlisted the aid of her team's pharmacist and now one or the other, mostly both will call me about a week before my medications are to be refilled, and will then coordinate my receipt of these monthly supplied medications. Again, with my experience with the VA and many HMO and private physicians, her diligence and dedication to my health is above and beyond. I feel that Cynthia Dawson is an angel that wears a white coat and to me there is no honor high enough to repay her for her treatments bestowed on me. I sincerely hope that she is awarded some honor that befits her dedication and caring.
Sincerely,
Jerry W. Hill
Disabled Army SSG
DAVID CHAPMAN MD.
VA clinic
Martinez, California
David is always there when I call or email.
If he doesn't have the answer he sends me to where I can find one.
He always remember the vets by first names..
MARS CAPEN
Dr. Laura Wong, MD The Hospital they are affiliated with - Spark M. Matsunaga VA clinic/hospital Why you feel this doctor should be nominated (any background you wish to include) - Even with the enormous workload she endures, she always makes sure to answer any and all questions. She takes the time needed to insure there is no confusion in your diagnosis, treatments, medications, etc. If you have questions, and call in and leave a message for her, she WILL return your call, usually within 24 hours! Your Name - Julie Wilusz
My name is HM2(AW) Cardona, Jenny.
I wish to nominate LCDR Anthony Biascan. He is part of Branch Medical
Clinic Point Mugu. He is currently in charge of the Aviation Medicine
Department.
I'm not sure I have enough room to type all the reasons he should definitely
win, but I will try to include as much as possible.
I've worked with Dr. Biascan for over four years. Not only has he been a
great mentor, instructor, and leader to my-self, but to all those who are
blessed enough to be around him.
He sees patients regardless if they are part of his unit or not. Even
though he is responsible for the smallest command on base, he supports and
treats any patient who may need his help. He is preferred by patients for
his patient care. I've known patients to wait two weeks or longer until
LCDR Biascan returns to work just to be treated by him and no other Dr.
available to them. He supports his troops without questions. He truly
doesn't have a schedule when it comes to helping others. He works late
hours and is willing to take time away from his own family just to provide
care for those in uniform. I can give you patient numbers and man-hours he
accumulates daily. However, I believe your Top Doc should have more than
just numbers to prove his worth. He/she should have qualities that
exemplify what a true "Doc" should be.
Please let me know if you require any further information on our Doc.
My-self and anyone else here will be more than happy to provide it for you.
VR,
HM2(AW) Jenny Cardona
Dr. Doug Wallace is part of the Neurology team at the Miami VA and goes above and beyond the call of duty in order to care for his patients with CNS and sleep disorders. I have known Dr. Wallace for the past two years and recently became a patient of his in the sleep clinic. His genuine care for patients and getting them to a more productive and fulfilling life has been truly amazing. He has an unending work load but always makes you feel as if you are the only patient he will be seeing that day. Dr. Wallace is also spearheading a TBI center of excellence for Veterans coming home from the war with head injuries. This physician should be recognized for his endeavors as the best of the best amongst his peers. Please contact me with any questions or further clarification.
Regards,
Rob
Robert D. Greer
CEO
I would like to nominate Dr Patricia Felix of the Brevard VA Outpatient Clinic, Viera, Florida.
Back in 2005 my husband was seeing Dr Felix (his primary) as well as numerous civilian doctors who just kept sending him to specialist after specialist with no conclusive results. One morning in November he woke up in such severe pain that I rushed him out to the clinic to see Dr Felix. After two test, she came back with tears in her eyes to say that my husband (the love of my life) had advanced liver cancer as well as bone cancer. He lasted only eight months after her diagnosis. His cancer was determined to be caused by exposure to agent orange in Vietnam in 1968. That is the year I met my husband in Vietnam. We were married in 1970.
This spring I saw a civilian doctor for a severe case of bronchitis. This doctor NEVER took a chest X-ray. When I started getting worse instead of better I went out to the clinic to see Dr Felix. The first thing she did was to take a chest X-ray and also blood work, urinalysis, and EKG. She not only determined that I had bronchitis, but that I also had early stages of emphysema.
Since going on medicare, I tried to lighten the load of patients at the VA clinic by seeing civilian doctors. But I have lost all faith in civilian doctors and will continue to see Dr Felix. She cares about each and every patient she has and goes above and beyond for every one of her patients. She is so respected and loved at the clinic that there is a waiting list to become one of her patients.
Thank you.
Joan B. Barco
Cedrell Jones-Taylor, M.D.
VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA
Dr. Jones-Taylor is personable and competent. She has personally called our home on occasion. She takes her job serious and I feel my husband receives wonderful medical care at this VA Hospital. I hope she remains there forever because we know we can count on her.
Nominated by Mr. & Mrs. James L. Nelson, Stone Mountain, GA 30088
James L. Nelson
Cedrella Jones Taylor, MD
Greg Hammond
I realized about further information after I had sent that. I didn't read full page. I am very sorry.
Dr. Taylor I have known as my doctor for about 10 years. She sees and treat a very large number of veterans every working day. I know she does duty else where in the hospital.
Everytime I come to see her its most always on time appointment. She knows about many of my personal life and enquires after my wife. Etc.
She follows up with reports personally. She goes way beyond the treatment I have gotten from civilian doctors!
On my last visit I asked: Why work in a VA hospital? When you can make more money in the civilian market.
Her answer was: I really like my patients!
That to me is the most important thing to hear!
Greg Hammond
I would like to vote for:
Doctor Johnetta Stokes/Holloway
my primary physian at Central Ala Health Care System and Hospital in
Montgomery, Al.
Robert T. Mask (Travis Mask)
This is the best doctor at the VA clinic in Montgomery. Everybody wants
Doctor Holloway for their doctor. She takes her time with you, if it takes
an hour to see you than thats what she will take. Everybody knows that when
you come to see her, you are in for a wait because she takes her time with
every patient she has. We all like that. She is such a good doctor. Ask
anybody at the VA in Montgomery, all her patients love her! Just wish that
all doctors were like her! PLEASE pick her. Thank you.
John Cochran, St. Louis, MO
COMMENTS She is one of the best doctors I have ever had. As one of the doctors at the Women's Clinic at John Cochran Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She is always professional and precise at what she does. If she thinks there is something wrong she will do everything she can to get to the bottom of the problem. She is a very great physican in my book.
Pam Mask
DOC S NAME Doctor Johnetta Stokes Holloway
HOSPITAL NAME Central Alabama Veterans Health Clinic and Hospital in Montgomery, Al.
COMMENTS She is the best doctor at the VA in Montgomery. Everybody wants her for their doctor. You can get in anytime to see the other doctors but hard to get in to see Doctor Holloway cause everybody sees her. She is so dam good. She saved my husbands life. Been seeing her for the last 10 years or better. Wouldn't let anybody else near my husband, he loves her. She is the best of the best. Just ask any veteran down at the VA.
I would like to nominate R. Khalid, M.D., of Kenner Army Health Clinic at Fort Lee, VA. While out of town in early July 2009 I noticed a swelling and redness of my right breast. I was not overly concerned so I waited until I got home. I was given an appointment with Dr. Khalid. She started me on a course of antibiotics but felt that I needed to be seen by a surgeon soon. The next day I was evaluated by a civilian surgeon who ordered an ultrasound and an MRI. Both tests showed the possibility of either mastitis or inflammatory breast carcinoma. Needless to say, this was not a good personal situation. During this time Dr. Khalid was very encouraging and personally called several times to see what the next plan of action would be. She made sure that I knew how to reach her and that gave me peace of mind knowing that I could call her if I had questions. Fortunately, this had a happy ending but during the time of not knowing Dr. Khalid gave me great care and encouragement.
Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Dr. Anandita Ray at the Richmond, IN CBOC deserves recognition but never seeks it. She is a compassionate, dedicated, thorough physician who has given excellent care to hundreds of individual veterans in this area. She has lowered my blood pressure to a very acceptable level after decades of me going to a civilian doctor who did nothing about my extremely high blood pressure. By the way, I'm a 90% combat-disabled veteran, right arm below elbow amputee since 1969. Thanks to Dr. Ray, I'm the healthiest I've been since leaving military service. My wife has been pleasantly surprised at Dr. Ray's thoroughness and frequently tells others about the high quality of care which I receive on a regular basis.
I even stopped smoking in 2004 thanks to Dr. Ray's encouragement and persistence.
Whether it's diagnosis or treatment, Dr. Ray is excellent. She listens; she investigates; she prescribes. No one could ask for better. ....anywhere I know when I go to Dr. Ray that I am under the very best medical care available.
Decades ago I gave up on VA medical care and paid out-of-pocket for civilian care. Dr. Ray, however, puts VA in a new light.
Dr. Ray's tireless effective treatment of America's military veterans is a hallmark by which all doctors should be judged.
William J. Starr
I nominate:
Evelyn R. Hwang, D.O., F.A.C.P.
Dr. Hwang has provided outstanding care to me and all WWII veteran patients here at Lyons Campus. Her dedication is "above and beyond the call of duty"!
I would like to nominate my primary care doctor who happens to be a nurse.
Her name is Suzanne deRoin.
She is affiliated with the Denver, Colorado Veterans Affairs Hospital.
Suzanne had been my Adult Nurse Practitioner in the 70's and 80's and then
left the VA for a period of time.
One day in the 90's I ran into Suzanne on my way out of the VA with every
intention of committing suicide. I had made a mistake
(intentionally) of overusing my medications. After joining Narcotics
Anonymous I made an amends to my nurse practioner at the time. Through
mutual agreement we decided narcotics would not be prescribed. On my way out
of the VA that day I realized that the amends had to be made. I was scarred
I would be in more pain than ever. I could not live like this. Suzanne told
me she was back at the VA and to apply for a slot in her clinic. We found a
way to treat my pain using narcotics but with some safeguards for both her
and myself. I have kept that agreement since.
Suzanne goes above and beyond the VA protocol for treating patients.
Suzanne found what was going wrong in my body and ordered appropriate tests.
Those tests showed a body breaking down with severe arthritis.
Suzanne also recognized my mental health state not to be in the best of
shape. She knew my background of childhood sexual trauma and adult sexual
trauma from the military.
Suzanne always treats me with respect and gives basic mini physicals every
time I see her. Suzanne has always been available for questions about my own
health and that of my family and partner. Suzanne has called me back on her
own time if she has run late at the VA. I know she does this for every
patient she sees. Suzanne has given me the best patient education and always
includes my input in making decisions.
Suzanne will get you that appointment or test even if you've been turned
down.
Suzanne is a brilliant nurse practioner who should have been a doctor.
Suzanne is caring, humble, knowledgeable (and keeps up education), and a
workhorse for her patients and her employer, the VA Hospital. In closing, I
have had better care from her than any doctor I have seen. To me, she is my
doctor
Linda H. Fish
My Nomination is:
Doctor Peter King
Bennington Vermont Veterans’ Clinic
I have had the privilege to receive my health care here in the Bennington VA since it started. Dr. King has managed the Clinic beyond well in my opinion and has had the ability to recruit superior team members. His caring for Veterans’ is reflected not only in his actions and care toward us but he has shared that love and caring with his staff and they in turn to all the Veterans’ that pass through the door. I am sure there are several fine Doctors in the VA Health System but in my opinion none would surpass Doctor King.
Dennis C. McCarthy
Scott Kissee
DOC S NAME Beryl Kime
HOSPITAL NAME Mt Vernon, MO VAMC
COMMENTS Br. Parrish (Kime) Has always returned my calls and been quick to get me in to the office when needed for my multiple sclerosis exascerbations. She went above nad beyond the call of duty to get my MS shots for me when I first came out of the Army. The VA was considering them experimental at the time and not wanting to cover them. Dr. Kime managed to get them for me anyway.
I would nominate Doctor George Arias of the Amarillo Texas VA hospital. I recently underwent colon cancer surgery at the Amarillo Texas VA hospital. Dr. Arias was my surgeon. I have never felt so proud of my Viet Nam service. When I thanked Dr. Arias or members of his staff for their care and kindness they would, without fail, say "No, I thank you for your service." My time in the Army has haunted me for a long time. Dr. Arias talked with, not down to, me. He and his folks healed my body and treated my memories. Thank you for the Amarillo VA.
William H. Arens
I wish to nominate the following doctor as a top doctor:
Doctor Mark Engebretson, a doctor at the Fargo Veterans Medical Center, Fargo, ND 58102, is my choice for top doctor.
For over 30 years I have been a patient of this doctor and have always been happy with his dedication to his profession and helping me deal with all the medical problems I have as a result of my military service. He has always been free to discuss any issues I had about my treatments, referred me to specialists whenever he felt necessary, and did his best to help me deal with the pain I have continuously. He is responsible for helping me lead as normal a life as possible despite the fact that I am now considered totally and permanently disabled due to my service-connected injuries during the VietNam Era. If not for him I know I would not have enjoyed as fullfilling a life as I did up until this point. I will always be grateful for his help.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Blattenbauer
Jay Roth
DOC S NAME Elaine Yaldiz
HOSPITAL NAME North Chicago VA
COMMENTS She is attentive, responsive, thorough and an exceptionally good listener. Anyone that
has her as a primary caregiver would agree that she is quite a good practicioner to all.
Garrett Garland
DOC S NAME Dr. Arum Alexanian
HOSPITAL NAME Presbyterian Hospital, Huntersville, NC
COMMENTS Dr. Alexanian is alomst like a 1950's doctor who cares more about his patients than his paycheck. He takes all the time necessary to explain his diagosis and panned treatment. He will follow up vistis with phone calls in the evening and often on weekends. He is a great doctor.
DOC S NAME Warren Lee Whitlock
HOSPITAL NAME Augusta, GA. Uptown VA
COMMENTS He's just a plain ole' great guy! Always there when needed, and always looking out for you, the veteran and concerned that you are getting the care and benefits you deserve.
JAMES L. DUNAVENT
DOC S NAME DR. BEN WHEELER
HOSPITAL NAME THE WEST CANCER CLINIC, SOUTHAVEN, MS 38671
DR. WHEELER IS A WONDERFUL PHYSCIAN WHO IS CARING FOR ME FOR ME. I AM A VETERAN WITH AGENT ORANGE NON-HOPKINS LUMPHOMA, WHIC IS TERMINAL. I APPRECIATE EVERY DAY HE HAS PROVIDED ME AND MY FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND WESTY CLINIC. HE HAS EXTENDED THE LIVES OF MANY PATIENTS AND HAS GIVEN US HOPE.
DOC S NAME Dr. Margaret Carrico
HOSPITAL NAME Leavenworth, KS VA
Multiple Line Textbox 1 Dr. Carrico is not just a VA doctor, she is also a military veteran, the wife of an Army
officer, & the mother of two boys. She has really shown me a lot of compassion when the VA system let me down. She's a treasure.
Nominee: Dr Peter Paul Wendt. Orthopedic Surgeon. Ft Harrison VAMC, FT Harrison, Montana.
Loves his job, Loves working with Veterans, Cares about his patients, & loves working at the VA after leaving private practice. Best of all besides liking what he does hes one of the best in his field. He always goes that extra mile.
Nominated by: JIM & Marsha Ratz
DOC S NAME Dr. Larry Anderson
HOSPITAL NAME Northside Forsyth
Multiple Line Textbox 1 Dr.Anderson is a Viet Nam Veteran. He volunteers his time for the inmates at the Dawson County Jail. He serves on many boards in Dawson County as a medical adviser and he has also been recognized by Governor Purdue for his contributions.He treats his patients as people and he truly cares for them and about them.
I would like to nominate my VA Doctor for the Top Doctor Award.
Kathryn J Cillessen
VA Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas
Dr. Cillessen is one of the warmest, kindest and most caring Doctor I have had treat me. Not only is she very competent , but she always takes time to do a complete exam , then listens to me for any concerns that I might have. She never rushes through an appointment and has always read my chart and reviewed my medication list and lab work before I come into the exam room, not while I'm there.
I have had many VA doctors in a number of VA Medical Centers during the 18 years I have received care as a 100% disabled Gulf War Veteran and she without a doubt is the best I have ever encountered.
As a former U.S. Army Nurse Corp Officer, I don't impress easily, Dr Cillessen deserves this Honor.
Roger G. Parks
DOC S NAME DR. Hannah Lubbos
HOSPITAL NAME Byrd Regional Hospital
Multiple Line Textbox 1 Kind, gentle, and he is always available to assist with your needs.
SUBMITTERS NAME Beverly Blount
DR.RAVELLA......PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR ...WEST PALM BEACH VETERAN CENTER...RIVIERA BEACH FLORIDA.......THE WOMAN IS AMAZING........SHES SO ACCURATE, THOROUGH, PLEASANT..AN ASSET TO THE VA THANK YOU ANTHONY PASSARO
I AM SORRY I DIDN'T COMPLETE ALL THE NECESSARY INFO.......DR RAVELLA GOT ME WELL..I WAS A MESS..MY HEALTH WAS FAILING IN SO, SO MANY AREAS..SHE SLOWLY GOT TO WORK WITH ORDERING BLOOD TEST, X RAYS , ETC, ETC TO GET ME STARTED ON MY WAY TO A BETTER HEALTHIER LIFE...........MY NAME IS ANTHONY PASSARO MY LAST 4 ARE 8267...MY DOB 8/27/42.......I LIVE IN PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL 34952............THANK YOU ANTHONY PASSARO
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