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Stories

VA Wichita health care top stories.

  • At first, it seemed like just another appointment at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. But this visit in August would become a turning point for Vietnam-era Veteran Gary Smith, his wife, and the team of caregivers who treat him.

    Hand holding a silver spoon bent at a 90-degree angle.

  • An amendment to House Bill 2274 in the Kansas Legislature authorizes the issuance of non-driver identification (ID) cards to homeless Veterans who may lack legal forms of documentation that verify their identity.

    Dole VA HUDVASH coordinator attends bill signing with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

  • Christina Unrein, Nurse Manager at our community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Hutchinson, was recently presented with the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

    Hutchinson CBOC Nurse Manager Christina Unrein with her leadership award and the DAISY logo.

  • Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center has again reached the pinnacle of hospital quality, earning a 5-star rating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2026 Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating report - marking the fourth straight year of top performance.

    Hand touching the fifth star in a row of glowing stars.

  • Nurses provide care at every stage of life—from birth through death—supporting wellness, managing acute and chronic illnesses, and providing palliative or end-of-life care.

    A nurse trains other clinical staff on CHG bathing during a recent competency forum at Dole VA.

  • Vigilance and dedication - and putting some trust in your gut instincts - can make all the difference in the world in crucial situations. Respiratory Therapist Pat Byrd’s unwavering commitment did just that for one Veteran.

    An anesthetist intubates a patient. Stock image from Getty Images..

  • April is Whole Health Month, a time to celebrate what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. After all, Whole Health about the person at the center of your health and wellness: You!

    A Veteran and his two sons get active playing football in the yard. Routine activity is a key component of a healthy life. It doesn't have to be strenuous activity.

  • Stories of resilience and determination are seen every day—but few are as inspiring as that of Vietnam Veteran Lyndon Sizemore and his respiratory therapist, Tiffany Laveist.

    Lyndol Sizemore (C) and Respiratory Therapist Tiffany Laveist (R) worked together to take Sizemore from using a scooter for mobility to walking 3,500 steps per day.

  • Allen Owens, Surgeon for VFW Department of Kansas, visited on Friday, April 10, to recognize our staff for providing quality and compassionate care to the Veterans we serve.

    Dr. Thuy Dang and Dr. Katie Washburn receiving awards from VFW representative, both with colleagues present.

  • Did you know there are more than 20,000 prescription medications available in the United States alone?

    DNA strand forming inside a capsule filled with colorful pills.