Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center

Our low vision outpatient clinic can assess your needs and provide a rehab plan tailored to your personal goals. Our team of specialists and social workers will work with you to find the right aids and services. Our clinic services include:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Visual skills assessments
• Guidance on how to develop visual motor and perceptual skills
• Training to help you manage daily activities with your vision loss

We offer only the Moderna Bivalent for both initial vaccines and boosters.

The initial COVID-19 vaccination series and boosters are available on a walk-in basis Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., in Primary Care Building 29. Appointments are unnecessary.

Veterans may also request a vaccination or booster from their primary care provider during regular-scheduled appointments.

Please remember to bring your vaccine card to all of these encounters.

Visit VA's COVID-19 vaccine website for more information: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

You can learn more about eligibility for VA health care and how to apply at https://www.va.gov/health-care/ or call 1-877-222-VETS.

Dole VA Oncologists/Hematologists have special training in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy.

Dole VA Cardiologists offer advanced treatment and care for conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure.

If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting one of our caregiver support coordinators. If the Veteran you care for was injured post-9/11, you may be eligible for even more services, including a stipend to help with expenses, training, and medical coverage if you aren’t already covered. For all caregivers, we can:

• Help you get caregiver assistance available through VA
• Provide progressive needs planning to help you manage degenerative conditions
• Match you with services and benefits
• Connect you with local resources and programs
• Listen to you when you struggle

Learn more and connect with a support coordinator

The Endocrinology Clinic treats: thyroid disease, adrenal and pituitary gland disorders, osteoporosis and calcium metabolism, menstrual cycle disorder and menopause, low testosterone, transgender care, and metabolic disorders such as obesity.

Gastroenterology clinic treats patients for Crohn’s disease, chronic constipation and diarrhea, anemia from GI bleeds, chronically elevated liver enzymes, and chronic abdominal pain.

Gynecology focuses on the female reproductive system, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Menstrual problems, contraception, sexuality, menopause, and infertility issues are diagnosed and treated by a Gynecologist.

Hepatology is a branch of medicine concerned with the study, prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. Hepatologists frequently treat viral Hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease.

We help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact one of our care coordinators to get help with:

• Immediate food and shelter needs, including both transitional and permanent housing
• Job training, life skills development, and education
• Justice system navigation and community reentry from jail
• Financial support to prevent homelessness
• Addiction and depression treatment
• Health and dental care

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

We promote the health, welfare, and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) Veterans and their families. We focus on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and affirmative environment when providing you with sensitive and high-quality health care services like:

• Hormone therapy
• Substance use and alcohol treatment
• Testing and treatment for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• Mental health care
• Psychosocial assessments for gender-confirming surgeries and hormone therapy

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

MOVE! is a weight-management program designed to help you live a longer, healthier life. With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can eat a healthier diet, get more exercise, reduce your health risks, and improve your quality of life. The MOVE! program offers:

• Weight-loss support groups to help you lose weight and keep it off
• Healthy eating tips and cooking classes
• Behavioral change strategies to help you live a healthier lifestyle

Learn more about MOVE!

Our medical center and clinics provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a range of issues that may impact your mental health or emotional well-being. Our confidential outpatient services include individual and group therapy for:

• Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression
• Marriage and relationship problems
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety, addictive behaviors, and personality disorders
• Aggressive or self-harming behaviors

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

If you’re a minority Veteran, we can help you get the services and benefits you need. Our Minority Veterans Program serves all Veterans who are Black American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American (including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Island Americans). We work to:

• Help the medical center address minority Veterans’ needs
• Meet minority Veterans’ needs in the local community
• Identify barriers and create a more accessible environment for minority Veterans
• Inform minority Veterans of VA benefits, services, and programs

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

The Dole VA Nephrology Clinic treats patients for acute kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease stage 3 or higher, electrolyte imbalances, proteinuria, uncontrolled hypertension, kidney transplants, and kidney stones.

The Dole VA Neurology service focuses on diseases of the nervous system, such as the peripheral nerves, brain, spine, and muscles. Neurologists provide diagnostic testing, comprehensive assessments, and treatment plans to ensure optimum prognoses.

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center Eye clinic in Wichita provides comprehensive optometric, ophthalmologic, and low vision rehabilitation  care. Our goal is to increase Veteran quality of life by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

We Diagnose and Manage Ocular Disease such as:

• Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by high levels of blood glucose. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can cause vision impairment and even blindness.
• Cataracts are an opacity of the lens usually related to age or excessive UV exposure, trauma, inflammation, or metabolic disorders. Cataracts can be surgically removed to improve vision.
• Macular Degeneration is an acquired retinal disorder and is the leading cause of blindness for persons over 65 in the United States.
• Glaucoma is a series of ocular diseases that can cause progressive optic nerve damage and lead to loss of functional vision. 
• Retinal Disease caused by diabetes or macular degeneration or hereditary disorders can cause dysfunction and loss of functional vision.
• Red Eye and Infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, trauma, inflammatory or even allergic
• Eyelid Abnormalities such as excess skin of the upper or lower lids can affect functional vision. Loss of laxity of eyelid tissue can result in exposure to the ocular surface and, in advanced cases, can cause scarring and ulceration of the front surface.

Dole VA Orthopedic Surgeons are concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, such as musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

Our patient advocates work hard to make sure you receive the best possible care at our health care facilities. They can:

• Help you get answers or address concerns with your care team
• Advocate for patient and family rights
• Serve as advocates for minority Veterans, women Veterans, and Veterans with disabilities
• Offer specialized help to former prisoners of war and Veterans transitioning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND)

Learn more and connect with a patient advocate

Our pharmacy provides you and other Veterans with convenient, efficient service to make it easy to get your medications and medical supplies. You can:

• Pick up new prescriptions in person
• Refill prescriptions online and by phone or mail
• Safely dispose of medicines

Learn more about our pharmacy

Plastic and reconstructive surgery can restore function and appearance after damage from disease, burns, traumatic injuries, congenital and developmental conditions and other causes.

Plastic surgery at the Dole VA offers a spectrum of surgical management, including skin cancer treatment, hand surgery, wound care, breast surgery, facial surgery and eyelid surgery. We work closely with our surgical colleagues to perform complex soft tissue reconstruction. Our outpatient clinic offers injection treatment for migraines as well as procedural services.

Our podiatry specialists evaluate and treat a wide range of injuries, diseases and disorders that affect your feet and ankles—from ingrown toenails to inflammation to diabetic foot ulcers.

The Dole VA Medical Center Podiatry clinic in Wichita strives to make sure Veterans receive the best medical treatment from the moment they enter the door. From bunions, calluses, or ingrown toenails, to broken toes, heel pain and sports-related injuries, Dole VA treats each problem with a thorough appointment until the Veteran is comfortable the issue has been addressed.

• Foot and Ankle Surgery
  The surgeons at our office provide complete medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle by being up to date with the most advanced treatments and technology to ensure optimal results.
• X-Rays
  Our doctor may need to take x-rays of your foot to help determine the cause of your foot pain or ankle pain. Our x-rays are weight bearing, which are essential when it comes to seeing the anatomy of the foot and ankle.
• Orthotics / Shoe Inserts
  When your feet hurt, even the simplest task can be agonizing. People often look for quick and inexpensive relief, particularly to over-the-counter insoles or arch supports. But what these commercial products lack is a proper medical evaluation. Wearing the wrong type of shoe insert can be detrimental to feet, especially for people with diabetes or arthritis. You should also be wary of products with lofty claims or promises of comfort based solely on size.
• Sports Injuries and Trauma
  Foot and ankle care before, during, and after a workout or sports activity is very important to prevent sports injuries in the foot. If not looked after properly, your feet can suffer a variety of ailments, such as blisters, corns and calluses, ankle sprains, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, fractures, tendonitis, and joint pain, to name a few.
• Ingrown Toenails
  In milder cases, you can treat an ingrown toenail by soaking your toe in warm water and placing a tiny piece of cotton underneath the edge of the nail. However, if an ingrown toenail leads to infection, a podiatrist may have to drain the area or perform minor surgery to cut away the section of your nail that is pressing into your skin.
• Diabetic Foot Care
  While conditions such as bunions, corns and calluses, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails may not seem serious, diabetes and vascular disease can complicate even these minor issues. We treat a wide range of conditions, including neuropathy, foot infections, ulcerations, and ingrown and fungal toenails.

Our pulmonary medicine team treats diseases and conditions that affect the lungs and breathing, including asthma, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sleep apnea.

Dole VA Pulmonologists treat ailments of the lungs and respiratory system, such as asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, complicated chest infections, sleep disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases including emphysema.

We provide long-term care to help you and your family when you’re dealing with a disability, chronic (long-lasting) illness, terminal illness, or serious health issues related to aging. Our long-term health care services include:

• 24/7 nursing and medical care
• Physical therapy
• Help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine
• Pain management and palliative care to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses
• Hospice care to provide comfort and compassionate care for people in the last phases of an incurable illness
• To learn more about the different types of extended care that VA provides, see our guide to long-term services and support.

Learn more about VA long-term care

If you’re returning from military service, we can help you readjust to civilian life and get started with VA health care. We can also help connect you with programs like mental health services and education and career counseling.

We can help you readjust to civilian life if you’re returning from military service, on active duty, or an activated National Guard or Reserve member. Talk to one of our care coordinators about how to best use your health care benefits.

• Polytrauma care (if you have multiple traumatic injuries)
• Counseling and rehabilitation
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Family benefits counseling and assistance
• Referral assistance

Learn more and connect with a coordinator

The Dole VA Rheumatology Clinic cares for patients with inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disease, and autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. We also assist in the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis.

We work with behavioral health providers and community organizations to help you and your family during times of crisis. We offer:

• Suicide prevention care coordinators
• Suicide prevention case managers
• Gun safety locks

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

If you are having surgery, we make sure that your procedure and follow-up care are safe and high-quality.

Dole VA General Surgeons have a central core of knowledge embracing anatomy, physiology, metabolism, immunology, nutrition, pathology, wound healing, shock and resuscitation, intensive care, and neoplasia, which are common to all surgical specialties.

We perform chest surgery (also known as thoracic surgery) to treats conditions involving your chest, airway and esophagus.

The Dole VA Thoracic Clinic evaluates patients for: Thoracic Aneurysms, Post Pleural Effusions, Mediastinoscopy, Post Pneumothorax, and Stereotactic Body Radiation therapy. These providers practice in the Wichita area and contract with the Dole VA.

The Dole VA Urology Surgery Clinic treats patients for prostate and bladder cancer, kidney stones, swelling, infection and pain of the genitourinary system, vasectomy and all types of urinary dysfunctions.

Our expert team diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions that affect arteries, veins and blood circulation.

The Dole VA Vascular Clinic evaluates patients for the following: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, Vertebral Dissections, Carotid Stenosis, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and Subclavian Steal Syndrome among other Vascular/Arterial issues.

What are Vocational Services?

Dole VA Vocational Services can help you throughout the employment process, from identifying your skills and abilities to finding and keeping a job. Ultimately, we assist Veterans in achieving their employment goals. Services we provide include:

• Job skill development
• Real world placements to assess skills, abilities, and interests
• Job search training
• Pre-Employment Preparation
• One-on-One employment counseling
• Strategies to find and keep a job
• Improving / developing interpersonal interactions

Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)

The Compensated Work Therapy program is driven to provide Veterans the ability to enhance their vocational, social, independent living skills, all of which are based upon the Veteran's individual choice. 

Compensated Work Therapy is a clinical & therapeutic vocational rehabilitation program that consists of two separate program components: Transitional Work and Supported Employment.

Transitional Work (TW) is considered an internship-type program with a paid stipend. Veterans in the program are provided contracted work opportunities with an average timespan of six months. Participants also receive counseling to achieve independence, maximum self-sufficiency, and marketable skill development that lead to community-based employment.

Supported Employment (SE) assists Veterans diagnosed with psychosis, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc., to find and keep jobs. The program will evaluate the Veteran's ability to manage the demands of working, develop realistic employment outcomes, and provide on-going job training, assistance, coaching, and advocacy.

Contact Information

Peter Daniels
CWT Program Coordinator
(316) 685-2221 Ext. 57315

Aaron Plume
TW Employment Specialist
(316) 685-2221 Ext. 57316

Whitney Hall
SE Employment Specialist
(316) 685-2221 Ext. 57308

Accreditation

Our Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program is accredited through CARF International, an independent accrediting body of health and human service. CARF accreditation confirms we are committed to continuous quality improvement, performance accountability through evidenced based outcomes, and ongoing monitoring of participants satisfaction.

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center Whole Health cutting-edge approach invites Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. Our commitment is to empower, equip, and treat our nation’s heroes according to their personal preferences and priorities.

Personalized, Proactive, Patient-Driven Care 
Whole Health empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and live their life to the fullest. The Dole VA has shifted from a health care system focused primarily on treating disease to one rooted in forming continuous healing relationships and partnerships that support Veterans in achieving their greatest overall well-being.

Dole VA Whole Health Programs

• YOGA 
  The practice of yoga has been shown to have positive effects on Veterans in the priority areas of depression and lower back pain.
• RELAXATION TRAINING 
  Relaxation techniques can decrease muscle tension, lower the blood pressure and slow heart and breath rates, among other benefits.
• BIOFEEDBACK 
  Biofeedback may be used to improve health, performance, and the physiological changes that often occur in conjunction with changes to thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
• SLEEP STUDIES 
  Body activity is monitored during sleep to identify disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
• PAIN MANAGEMENT 
  Our focus has shifted from opioid-based pain management to evidence-informed, safe, and effective non-pharmaceutical approaches.
• TAI CHI
  This gentle Chinese art has favorable effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and osteoarthritis.
• MOVE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
  Our weight management program, also known as MOVE, encourages healthy eating and increased physical activity.
• HEALTHY EATING KITCHEN
  These classes improve health by teaching Veterans and their families healthy food choices and food preparation.

View the Whole Health Course Catalog

We offer women’s health services to meet your specific needs such as disease screenings, mental health treatment, recovery from military sexual trauma, maternity care and female-specific medical equipment.

The Women Veterans Program provides the best comprehensive health care for females that is both safe and effective. Our educational services are available to Women Veterans, and our maternity coordinator assists women connect with resources covering all stages of the pregnancy experience.

Our women's health program offers complete health care for women Veterans of all ages. Our primary care providers specialize in women’s health. They work closely with specialists in gynecology, obstetrics, female urology, oncology, medicine, radiology, surgery, and breast illness. Our services for women Veterans include:

• Ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests
• Mental health care and counseling
• Lifestyle wellness services
• Menopause treatment, including hormonal therapy
• Family planning, contraceptive care, and infertility evaluation