'I was so impressed': Skeptical Vet changes tune about VA care

Playing off the slogan of a popular car commercial from the 1980s, this phrase is not uncommon when it comes to modern VA health care. Just ask Dr. Michael Conners.

The retired dentist, who served for 38 years between the U.S. Navy, the Navy Reserves, Wisconsin Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves and Army National Guard, is one of many Veterans who, when he was younger, believed that VA health care was subpar. 

“VA did not have a good rep 15, 20 years ago, so I was a little hesitant,” he said. 

But when he began to experience his own share of health challenges and found himself at the Milwaukee VA, his perception changed dramatically.

Conners, 73, was injured during a humanitarian mission in Nicaragua in 2009 and soon afterward learned he was eligible for VA care. He started coming to the Milwaukee VA when he turned 60 and was recommended to Dr. John Hayes.

“From the minute I met him, I was like, ‘Wow. This is fantastic. I love this guy,’” he said. “I was so impressed. So I thought I’d keep trying other things. And every specialty I’ve gone to has just been phenomenal. I’m extremely happy.”

Conners also receives hearing and vision care from VA, as well as podiatry, dermatology, physical therapy and cardiology. He’s even been through the Emergency Department on a few occasions.

Conners — an avid cyclist, golfer and swimmer — said he didn’t feel his age until last fall when he began experiencing atrial fibrillation. That led him to Dr. Dalip Singh at the Milwaukee VA, and ablation treatment.

Now, he said he’s back to feeling “about 95%” of how he felt before. In fact he works a few hours a week as a lifeguard at the West Suburban YMCA in Wauwatosa.

Plus, he feels he has the energy to keep up with his nine grandchildren, who range in age from infant to 15 years old.

Conners said he now advocates for VA care with his former military buddies.

“I have talked to a number of them, and I tell them how wonderful it is,” he said, noting that if not for his injury in Nicaragua, he probably wouldn’t have pursued VA care. “In retrospect, it turned out really well for me.”

Through his service and practice, Conners said he has met a lot of people who worked for VA, “and 98% of them are extremely happy to be part of the VA team,” he said, noting he is especially impressed with the many VA employees who have told him they feel it is an honor to serve Veterans.

“You can always tell when people really care and like what they are doing,” he said. “And I can tell the culture at the VA is outstanding and really positive.”