'Tailored to their needs:’ focused care for women veterans

Two women at VA Nebraska-Western Iowa - Aubriana Crain, Women Veterans Program Manager, and Dr. Amber Josoff, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, represent a growing network of VA professionals working to ensure women veterans don’t just receive care — they receive care that’s personal, informed, and proactive.

Advocacy from the Inside: A Champion for Women Veterans

Aubriana Crain started her VA career in Phoenix as a physical therapist. In 2022, she moved to Omaha for a new role as a pelvic floor physical therapist serving women Veterans. In December 2024, she transitioned into a broader role as the Women Veterans Program Manager.

“I advocate for women veterans — not just in clinical care, but in creating environments where they feel seen and supported,” Crain says.

Her behind-the-scenes work is often invisible to the average patient, but she advocates to make the system better for women in many ways: coordinating training for providers, ensuring physical spaces are welcoming, reviewing policies related to issues like sexual trauma and lactation, and responding to patient concerns.

“A lot of what I do is about shifting the culture,” she says. “VA is making great strides nationally, but it takes local efforts to make those changes real.”

Crain also helps ensure that women veterans have access to specially trained primary care providers. These Women’s Health Designated Providers complete additional training and continuing education in gender-specific care — allowing them to offer services like annual exams and better understand conditions specific to women.

A Pharmacist with a Purpose

Dr. Amber Josoff has spent nearly 17 years at the VA. Based in Omaha, she plays a unique role — one that often surprises those unfamiliar with how pharmacists function inside the VA system.

“Unlike in the community, VA pharmacists like me can prescribe, order labs, adjust medications, and manage follow-ups,” she explains. “We’re part of your care team, especially when it comes to managing chronic conditions, and in my case, navigating specialized women’s health topics.”

Dr. Josoff’s primary focus is on medication management for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, and cholesterol. But she’s also carved out a vital space for menopause and contraception support — two areas often underserved in traditional primary care.

“I saw a gap — one that wasn’t really being addressed,” she says. “Gynecology is often stretched thin, and many primary care providers aren’t fully trained in managing menopause. That’s where I step in.”

As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), Dr. Josoff provides individualized support for perimenopause, menopause, and contraceptive counseling. Whether a veteran is unsure if they’re entering menopause, curious about symptoms, or interested in treatment options — hormonal or non-hormonal — Dr. Josoff offers both education and prescriptions, tailored to their needs.

Dr. Josoff serves women Veterans across the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa system and connecting with her is simple. “Veterans just need to ask their primary care provider to refer them to the women’s health pharmacist,” she says. “No consult necessary. I’ll reach out and get them scheduled — in person, by phone, or video.”

Comprehensive care

VA offers comprehensive women’s health care, including gynecology and women-focused whole health and mental health offerings. Women’s health specialties that are not available at the Omaha VA Medical Center and clinics, including mammography and maternity care, can be referred through VA to community providers. VA maternity care coordinators work with pregnant and post-partum women to provide support and assist with maternity referrals. 

If you are a woman Veteran getting care through VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, the women’s health team is here for you. If you need to be connected to a women’s health designated provider, ask your care team or reach out to Aubriana Crain at 402-995-4906.