Bay Pines VA Completes First Year for Lymphedema Fellowship
By Michael Brock, Public Affairs Specialist
Last year, Bay Pines VA became the first healthcare system in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to launch an Occupational Therapy Lymphedema Fellowship. Now, the program has recently graduated its first participant.
Bay Pines VA Occupational Therapist Fellow Elizabeth Peck, who’s father is an Air Force Veteran, was the first graduate of the program and is ready to use what she learned to help Veterans who live with lymphedema.
“Each patient we see has a different story,” said Peck. “So, treating lymphedema is different with each patient. We make sure that every Veteran receives well rounded care and the training that I receive here will help me learn and grow.”
Lymphedema is a chronic, life-long disease that occurs when a person’s body begins to accumulate a buildup of fluid, typically in their extremities, due to a damaged lymphatic system. This may be hereditary, but it can also be caused by conditions such as cancer, obesity, or trauma to the body.
Symptoms of lymphedema may be mild; however, there are instances where lymphedema may significantly impact a person’s ability to manage daily activities.
“This program has helped promote lymphedema awareness within the VA and helped with fostering professional relationships within our healthcare system to better serve Veterans,” said Bay Pines VA Lymphedema Specialist Jaquita Jones. “We have been able to see more Veterans here and have not had to send them out to community care where they may not receive the same level of care.”
The fellowship was a year-long, paid opportunity that was open to one licensed occupational therapist. During her time with the program, Peck received experience in the field of lymphedema via evidence-based education, advanced training, and high-quality mentorship from Jones.
“I feel more confident about my ability to help treat lymphedema now,” said Peck. “[Veterans] are just so grateful for everything they receive. It’s been a rewarding experience working with them.”
When Veterans receive lymphedema treatment through Bay Pines VA, they have access to compression garments and other devices that may not be covered or offered through treatment in the community. Because lymphedema is often the result of a different disease, treating it with a collaborative approach often results in the best outcomes for Veterans. According to Jones, Bay Pines VA is working on expanding the fellowship program for another five years.
“We are hoping to expand the lymphedema therapy to vascular, oncology, and many more [services] so we can provide direct care to Veterans,” said Jones.