With its long-standing and storied history with all branches of the military, Penn Medicine is dedicated to supporting its employees who have served or continue to serve in the military. “There’s a true commitment to veterans here at Penn Medicine,” said Paula Crawford-Gamble, CRNP, CAPT, NC, USN (Ret), Penn Medicine Veterans Care Concierge liaison.
The Veterans Care Concierge Service, which is part of the Veterans Care Excellence Program (VCEP), connects veterans with services that Penn Medicine offers its employees. For example, it assists veterans with registering at the VA, an important step that opens the door to benefits such as free pharmaceutical services and educational assistance through the GI Bill.
Supporting veterans’ healthcare needs is also an important part of the Concierge Service. Veterans can make a medical appointment through the Penn Access Center, which will help navigate the scheduling process and arrange the appointment. FirstCall, Penn Medicine’s virtual care telemedicine practice, asks callers if they are veterans. If so, they are put into a veteran’s health track with streamlined access to care. FirstCall will also notify Paula that a veteran has contacted the service so she can follow up with additional support.
“Connections: Past, Present and Future”
Penn Medicine Veteran’s Celebration
Monday, November 12, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Penn Museum in Philadelphia
Combat to Care is Penn Medicine’s veteran recruitment program which helps veterans identify and pursue career development opportunities. This ranges from providing veterans assistance with resumés to helping them connect with the many educational opportunities available through the University of Pennsylvania.
The VCEP is making a concerted effort to connect veterans to connect with each other; they are often reluctant to identify themselves as such. To help veterans meet other former and current servicemembers across the organization and to foster a sense of comradery, the service has reestablished the Penn Medicine Veterans Platoon, a networking group. The platoon plans social events, such as the recent Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run where 26 platoon members participated in a 5k run. It also supports the charity work of its members. A community project for homeless veterans is planned for December. “Our veterans served and continue to serve our country and they deserve all of the services and support that Penn Medicine offers,” Paula said.
It’s fitting that the motto of the Veterans Care Concierge Service is “Serving those who served.” We thank all of our veterans, past and present, for their service to our country.
If you have questions about any of the veterans’ programs and services at Penn Medicine, contact Crawford-Gamble at 215-220-9777.