Daniel Akaka: “so often we talk about collaboration between the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. Today, we have a terrific…”

“so often we talk about collaboration between the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. Today, we have a terrific example of such sharing. I specifically want to call attention to an innovative training program for nurse anesthetists. In an attempt to maximize scarce resources, VA and the U.S. Army have pulled together their resources to help prepare VA for fields in anesthesia. Out of this joint VA/DOD effort has transpired one of the top Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist programs in the country. The program offered at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, TX, has been said by its students to provide top of the line Army training in the field of nurse anesthesia. This type of training can be carried over to VA and will promote a seamless transition for those servicemembers that need continued treatment upon return from active duty. In addition to the clinical training, during the second phase of the program, the students also receive invaluable lessons that simply cannot be taught in just any training facility. By sitting side by side with Army and Air Force classmates, the students are able to gain a greater appreciation and understanding for the different branches of the armed services and the culture of the military.…”