Director's Message March 28, 2025

As I depart and reflect on the progress we have made together, I’m confident that VAPIHCS will continue to thrive under the leadership of Thandiwe Nelson Brooks, who will serve as Interim Director, and the rest of the Executive Leadership Team. Thandiwe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, and I am certain that she will continue to advance our mission to provide world-class health care to our Veterans.

Mahalo for allowing me to be a part of your healing and health care journey. I wish you continued health, happiness, and well-being. A hui hou.

Watch My Farewell Message Here.

Urgent Care and MRI Services are Now Open at Akaka VA Clinic

VAPIHCS is proud to announce that our Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and urgent care services are now available at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic at 91-1051 Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue in Kapolei, HI 96707.  If you have questions, or if you’d like to enroll in VA care, please call us at 1-800-214-1306.

Endometriosis Awareness

The VA Women’s Health program wants to raise awareness about endometriosis this month. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that is like the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These cells respond to changes in your body’s hormones and cause inflammation, pain, and sometimes irregular bleeding.

Here are five things you should know about endometriosis:

1. Severe Pain Isn’t Normal

We all expect some discomfort during our period, but severe pain isn’t something you should have to push through. Pelvic or abdominal pain during your period, sex, or bowel movements shouldn’t disrupt your life. If over-the-counter medications don’t help and the pain makes it hard to function for several days each month, it’s time to get help. Additional common symptoms include: heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods, difficulty getting pregnant, or digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

2. Early Diagnosis Matters

Left untreated, pain and symptoms can worsen. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can start managing symptoms and avoiding complications. Don’t wait—talk to your VA health care provider if you’re experiencing symptoms.

3. Endometriosis Is Common

About 1 in 10 women of reproductive age have endometriosis. Despite how common it is, it often takes years to diagnose due to lack of symptom awareness.

4. Endometriosis Can Affect Fertility

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, endometriosis might be the cause. Between 30-50% of women with endometriosis face infertility challenges.

5. VA Can Help You Manage Your Pain

Endometriosis is often a chronic condition, but you don’t have to manage it alone. VA offers diagnosis and a range of treatments to help you find relief, including:

• Pain Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen or naproxen for example, are available over the counter and often help treat menstrual and endometriosis pain. However, if these do not give you enough relief, talk to your provider about other options. 
• Hormone Therapy: VA can provide you with medications that suppress the production of hormones in the ovaries, preventing ovulation, menstruation, and endometriosis pain flares. 
• Surgery: VA can diagnose and treat endometriosis through a variety of surgical procedures. Your gynecologic surgeon will work with you to determine the best treatment approach for you. 
• Remember, severe pain during your period is not normal. VA understands how overwhelming chronic pain can feel, and we’re here to help. Compassionate VA women’s health primary care providers are available and will listen to your concerns.
   

To learn more about endometriosis, download the Women Veterans Endometriosis brochure.

Need help getting started? Call the Women Veterans Call Center (1-855-VA-WOMEN) to speak to a real person who can help you enroll, schedule an appointment, and connect you to care you can trust.

Find Resources About Fraud Targeting Veterans

There is a new single phone number 1-833-38V-SAFE (8-7233) and website (VSAFE.gov) that gets you information and support for fraud attempts targeting Veterans, service members, and their families. Visit VSAFE.gov for more information from across federal agencies that can be accessed in one place for education, reporting, and response – all in an effort to prevent fraud.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

As we bid farewell to Dr. Adam Robinson, we reflect on the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind—a legacy built on service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of Veterans and those who care for them.

Dr. Robinson’s inspirational career has been defined by a deep sense of duty. His leadership has not only helped shaped VAPIHCS but has also touched the lives of countless Veterans and staff members who have had the privilege of working alongside him. His vision has guided us, his wisdom has strengthened us, and his passion has inspired us.

Transitions like these remind us that leadership is not just about holding a position—it is about making an impact. Dr. Robinson has demonstrated that true leadership is found in integrity, service, and the ability to lift others up. While his tenure with us may be coming to an end, the lessons he has imparted and the example he has set will continue to influence our work for years to come.

To Dr. Robinson, we express our deepest gratitude. May this next season of life bring you the joy, rest, and fulfillment you so richly deserve. You have given so much, and we are all better for it.

Let us honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed—with dedication, excellence, and a heart for service. Blessings to you, Dr. Robinson. Fair winds and following seas as you journey into retirement.

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE 
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

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