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VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Summer 2011
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Summer 2011
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Ask the Expert:
Jennifer Jennings, M.D., Chief of Neurosurgery
VA Health Care Upstate New York
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Q How do VA’s neurosurgery
services compare to other
hospitals?
There is a misconception that VA
lags behind other facilities. But in
reality, the neurosurgical services
and technology available through
VA Health Care Upstate New York
are state-of-the-art and rival those
of private hospitals.
Q What are some of the
innovative neurosurgical
treatments you use at VA?
There are many, including minimally
invasive spinal surgery to
reduce blood loss and shorten
recovery time, vagal nerve stimulation
to minimize or prevent epileptic
seizures, and neuronavigation—an
MRI technology that helps to guide
us to the exact location of a brain
tumor during surgery. We also offer
an exciting procedure called deep
brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s
disease. Patients are sedated but awake while we place electrodes
into the brain to reduce tremors.
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• For enrollment information, call
1-888-823-9656.
• For medical care and clinic appointments, call your local primary doctor or your local VA medical center.
• For reliable health information on the Web,
visit www.myhealth.va.gov
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Q Which conditions do you
treat?
We treat a full range of conditions,
such as brain tumors, spine and
head trauma, bleeding in the brain,
and neck and back problems. Veterans
living in upstate New York are
referred to me by their primary care
provider or neurologist, and I operate
at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
Q Why did you choose to work
at VA instead of a private
facility?
I was recruited at several academic
medical centers, but was impressed
with VA’s Neurosurgery program, as
well as its excellent rehabilitation,
nursing, and ancillary services. I
also have a background in treating
patients with challenging needs,
so VA was a good fit. And there is a
family connection: My grandfather was a World War II pilot who was
treated in a VA hospital, and my dad
was in the Army stationed in Korea.
Q How has neurosurgery
changed in the last decade?
Neurosurgery is constantly evolving,
and incredible new advances are
discovered every year. Because we
are committed to offering Veterans
the best medical care possible, VA
supports our Neurosurgery program
with advanced technology.
Q What do you enjoy most
about treating Veterans?
I operated on a young Veteran who
had a herniated disk from jumping
out of tanks 14 feet high. He didn’t
complain much about pain, but after
surgery, he couldn’t believe how
much better he felt. It’s very rewarding
to have such a positive impact on
a Veteran’s life.
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Summer 2011
Patient-Centered Care |
Erectile Dysfunction |
eBenefits
Health Care for Women Vets |
Diabetes |
Uncle Sam Menu Makeover
Smartphone Apps |
Pharmacy Mail Order
End of Life |
Ask the Experts
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