Health Care System Recognized in Readers' Choice Contest

The VA Northern Indiana Health Care System was recently nominated in two categories for this summer's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette’s Readers' Choice Contest.

First nomination category is for the best audiology practice. Second nomination goes to Dr. Sara Gutta as the best cardiologist in the region.  Nominations for these honors were made anomalously by members in the community.

“We are especially proud of our audiology department and Dr. Gutta, and thrilled that others see the exceptional health care we provide to our Veterans, as do all our services throughout the Northern Indiana region,” said Executive Director for VANIHCS Jon Beidelschies.

People may vote for their choice in the coming weeks. 

“There will be two voting rounds this year, and all nominees will be featured in the printed booklet and online,” said Savannah Medina with the Journal Gazette. “Voting Round one will run June 21-29 and will determine the top five in each category. Final voting round will run Aug. 16 - 24, to rule out the top three winners in each category. Winners will be contacted soon afterwards, and the official announcement to the public will be on Oct. 11.”

Voting for round one may be done here: https://fortwayne.secondstreetapp.com/og/e9395898-f940-4c88-99bb-522359303cb8/gallery/493937516

This is not the first time VANIHCS has received honors in the Journal Gazette’s Readers’ Choice awards.

“Last year we placed second in the Readers’ Choice contest.  We are hoping this year we win the blue ribbon,” said Dr. Trisha Duffy, a supervisory audiologist in the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center Audiology Department.

Dan Gipple, a former Navy chief petty officer, explained his life has greatly benefited by the care VANIHCS provides. “I earned the right (for the benefit of VA health care) and the VA keeps me on the right meds, which helps me get the sleep I need. All the staff here are wonderful.”

An Army Veteran being treated by Gutta commented on how lucky he felt to have her as a provider.

“She is the most professional woman I have has ever seen,” said Bobby Turgeon, U.S. Army Veteran. “She saved my life when she caught an aneurism.  Even my kids are happy knowing I am being treated by Dr. Gutta.”

Turgeon went on to say that he is more than pleased with the care he receives throughout the health care system. “This VA is an exceptional VA, and the VA here is the only health care I use.”

Veterans who receive their care from VANIHCS often share similar words of praise. The Fort Wayne Medical Center has a current 95.5 percent trust rating from its Veteran community.  It’s no surprise when the staff is as dedicated as Gutta.

“I am thrilled to be among this year’s nominees for the Readers’ Choice Contest,” said Gutta. “While it’s nice to be recognized, it’s the opportunity to treat and serve the Veterans who come here that is my true reward.” 

“We hope that our employees and the Veterans we serve, and the community at large, will take a few minutes to help recognize Dr. Gutta and the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center Audiology Department for all their hard work by voting for them in this year’s Readers’ Choice Contest,” said Beidelschies. “Again, I would like to say how proud I am of all our employees at VANIHCS and thank them for all they do for our Veteran community.”