Is the V.A. having a doctor shortage?

[oramar]

The Military Channel is running ads encouraging MDs to work for the V.A. I was aware they have a problem with certain specialities related to such a long running war. However, this is just a general call for doctors. They make it sound as if they are short accross the board. I watch the Military Channel off and on because they have a lot of interesting stuff on it. That is the first time I saw an ad like that. PS They are NOT calling for enlistments, they want civilian MDs to come and work for V.A.

[PAERRN20]

I have seen the VA running ads on regular channels. I had never seen a VA recruiting commerical before so I got on the VA website and checked the postings. In my area they only want MDs or mid level providers. No RN listings.

[CuriousMe]

In my area, they're showing VA commercials for RN's. Haven't checked to see if they're hiring locally though.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I did recently see one of the commercials advertising the VA as a potential workplace for MDs while watching the History Channel last Friday. It featured a youngish-appearing female doctor discussing how she is able to give veterans the care they deserve.

[oramar]

I did recently see one of the commercials advertising the VA as a potential workplace for MDs while watching the History Channel last Friday. It featured a youngish-appearing female doctor discussing how she is able to give veterans the care they deserve.

Yup, that is the one. I watched history channel and military cannel for two hours and saw it three times. Maybe they are short of docs.

[JulesLVN]

We too have been seeing the commercials in our area (Washington State). Out of personal experience, my husband who is a vet had to wait 7 months for surgery on his wrist which was broken while serving. The scheduling nurse informed us the reason why the surgeries are booked so far out is due to the wrist surgeon being a volunteer. He volunteers Tuesday mornings only, and has appts at his own private practice starting at 1 pm. They are currently booking for August at the Seattle Puget Sound VA hospital. I'd like to think it is due to a shortage and this really isn't how things are run.