Stories | VA Orlando Health Care

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is leading the way in innovative care for Veterans with a new Tele-Dentistry program that leverages virtual technology to streamline dental evaluations.

A group of Veterans in the Pulmonary Clinic at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) have found a unique way to strengthen their lungs and improve breathing: harmonica playing.

Veterans and Pulmonary Clinic Staff during Harmonica for Health Event.

For many Veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is often accompanied by difficulties with sleep, especially for those with lingering trauma. Insomnia and nightmares, in particular, plague the sleep of countless Veterans.

Pictured in photo: Dr. Kimberly Igirio, Staff Psychologist,
Primary Care OVAHCS and Navy Veteran Ray Best.

VA is implementing a new, modernized appointment scheduling system to better deliver the SOONEST and BEST CARE to Veterans.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is pioneering a revolutionary approach with its innovative chaplaincy simulation training, seamlessly integrating spiritual care with clinical practice in a truly immersive experience.

MedSIM staff and Chaplain Service collaborate for chaplaincy simulation training.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System,(OVAHCS) has started an innovative Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) Program enhancement designed to equip residents of the Domiciliary (DOM) with essential cooking skills and healthy eating habits.

“I always prayed to be a part of a community and for opportunities like this,” said Marine Corps Veteran, Pierre Sturgis. “Basketball has always been a part of me. It is my stress relief.”

Pierre Sturgis competes at the 2024 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Dr. Samara Martinez is no stranger to military culture and what it means to serve. Born at Darnall Army Hospital at Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, her family’s military lineage dating back to World War II shaped her passion for the work she does today.

VISN 8 Clinical Resource Hub provider, Dr. Samara Martinez, completing an appointment remotely using Clinical Video Telehealth from her home in Texas.

Teaming up with the VHA's Innovation Ecosystem, Microsoft, and MIT Hacking Medicine, the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (JAHVH) recently hosted a supercharged hackathon event called, Veterans’ Health – MIT Hacking Medicine 2024, at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.

In a significant stride towards advancing Veteran healthcare and medical research, the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) celebrated the grand opening of its new Research and Academic Center on June 28, 2024.