VA News Podcast

The role of genomics in guiding better health decision for Veterans

Dr. Jason Vassy is a primary care physician at VA Boston Healthcare System. He leads the Genomes to Veterans Research Program, which focuses on bringing genomic tools to help VA use genetic information to improve Veterans’ health.

“How can we use a Veteran’s genetic makeup to help improve their health care?” he asked, in the podcast. While not all conditions require genetic testing, “in the areas where we know doctors should be using genetic testing… how do we make it easier for them?”

This work shows how VA is staying ahead when it comes to health and technology.

Exploring the potential of DNA-guided treatment

In Dr. Vassy’s VA study on pharmacogenetics for depression, he found that Veterans who received DNA-guided medication choices fared better, stating, “Patients that got that kind of testing were more likely to have a medication that was a better match for their DNA and had lower rates of depressive symptoms.” His team also used data from the Million Veteran Program (MVP) to identify Veterans with a genetic form of extremely high cholesterol, noting, “We reached back out… and got them connected to clinical genetic testing, increased surveillance, and treatment.” These actions helped Veterans and their families reduce their risk of early heart disease.

Using genetic risk to guide prostate cancer screening

In addition, Vassy leads the nationwide PROGRESS Study, which uses genetic risk to guide prostate cancer screening for men ages 55 to 70. Veterans can enroll online and submit a saliva kit from home.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men,” Vassy said. Genetic guidance may allow VA to detect dangerous cancers earlier while reducing harm from over-screening. He also stressed that VA protects genetic information with the strictest safeguards: “These data are password-protected, encrypted… only people with a right to access it can do so.”

Looking ahead at the future of genomic medicine

Looking ahead, Vassy believes genomic medicine will increasingly shape preventive care as technology advances and costs fall. He encourages Veterans to start by learning their family history and talking with their providers about potential genetic risks, noting, “Genetics is just another tool in the toolbox for how to manage a concern you bring to your provider.”

Veterans can explore opportunities to participate in ongoing research and learn more about genomic testing throughout VA’s national programs.

Resources

https://www.genomes2people.org/research/genomes2veterans/
https://www.research.va.gov/mvp/
https://www.progress-study.org/
https://www.va.gov/washington-dc-health-care/programs/pharmacogenomics/
https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/stories/pharmacogenomics-and-how-the-va-is-improving-the-efficacy-of-medicine-through-dna/ 
https://www.research.va.gov/services/amp/precision_oncology.cfm 

Guest: Doug McCormick, Army veteran, managing partner at HCI Equity Partners, and author of Family Inc.
Topics Covered:
    •    Doug’s transition from military service to the financial sector.
    •    The importance of financial literacy for veterans to achieve stability and independence.
    •    Strategies for preparing financially for life after service.
    •    The role of financial planning in building long-term wealth and security.
    •    VA resources available to support financial literacy and independence.
Key Takeaways:
    •    Financial stability is within reach for veterans with careful planning and informed decision-making.
    •    Begin financial preparation while still in service to ease the transition to civilian life.
    •    Focus on creating a financial safety net, investing in your skills, and planning for long-term success.
    •    VA provides valuable resources to empower veterans on their journey to financial independence.
Resources:
VA offers several tools and resources to assist veterans in improving their financial literacy and achieving independence:
    •    VA Financial Literacy Page: Access tools, guides, and information to help you manage your finances, make informed decisions, and build a secure future.
    •    VA Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services: Free financial counseling for beneficiaries of VA life insurance programs to help you plan for a secure financial future.
    •    GI Bill Benefits: Use education benefits to gain certifications, degrees, or skills that enhance career opportunities and financial potential.
    •    Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Offers job training, resume building, and career counseling tailored to veterans.
For more information, visit va.gov

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any specific financial strategies, products, or services. Veterans are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial advisor or visit va.gov for official resources and support.

Guest: Monica Roy, Program Manager for Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program and Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program, VA Boston Healthcare System

Topics Covered:
    •    Overview of the VetChange app and its purpose
    •    How the app addresses barriers to treatment for veterans
    •    Key tools such as the drink log, goal setting, and managing urges
    •    Educational resources on moderate drinking and the effects of trauma
    •    Integration with therapy and ongoing developmentKey

Takeaways:
    •    VetChange is a free, confidential app that provides veterans with the tools to monitor their drinking habits and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
    •    Features include a drink log, goal-setting tools, and strategies to manage urges in real-time.
    •    The app is evidence-based and designed to support veterans who may face barriers to accessing traditional in-person care.
    •    Upcoming developments include enhanced integration with therapy platforms for a more interactive experience.Resources:
    •    Visit VetChange.org to learn more about the app.
    •    Download the VetChange app on iPhone.
    •    Sign up for VA benefits at va.gov.
    •    For immediate support, contact the Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387).

• Guest: Joel Chaverri, Marine Corps Veteran and VA Vet Center Counselor
• Topics Covered:
  • Joel's military background and transition to civilian life
  • The mission and services of VA Vet Centers
  • Why these benefits are earned and how Veterans can access them
  • The value of connecting with a counselor who understands military life
  • Breaking through the stigma of asking for help
• Key Takeaways:
  • Vet Centers offer confidential counseling as part of the benefits veterans have earned through their service
  • These services are available to help Veterans overcome challenges and build a brighter future
  • Signing up for VA benefits is the first step to accessing these life-changing resources
• Resources:
  • Learn more and sign up for VA benefits at va.gov
  • For immediate support, call the Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387)

In this compelling episode, we welcome Dr. Holt, a board-certified Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, associate professor at the University of Miami, and a key member of the Miami VA Healthcare System. Dr. Holt leads a highly successful lung cancer screening program, showcasing his commitment to veteran care through early detection and advanced treatment methods.

Key Highlights:

• Lung Precision Oncology Program (LPOP) Overview: Dr. Holt dives into the core mission of LPOP – identifying and examining lung tumors in their earliest stages, crucial for effective treatment. With lung cancer being a significant threat to veterans, LPOP's targeted approach is a game-changer in cancer care.
• Innovative Diagnostic Techniques: Discover how navigational bronchoscopy and CT scans are transforming lung cancer detection, offering non-invasive, precise tumor mapping. These technologies enable personalized treatments tailored to the patient's specific needs and the molecular profile of the tumor.
• Advancing Lung Cancer Treatment: Learn about the latest advancements in lung cancer therapy, focusing on targeted treatments with fewer side effects. Dr. Holt emphasizes the importance of early screening and the role of LPOP in driving scientific research and medical breakthroughs.
• Nationwide Impact of LPOP: Explore how LPOP, with its network of hubs across the country, is making advanced lung cancer screening and treatment accessible to veterans nationwide, contributing significantly to cancer research.
• Veteran Involvement and Advocacy: Understand how veterans are at the heart of LPOP, not only benefiting from cutting-edge treatments but also participating in the progress of scientific research.
• Resources and Events: Visit Lung Cancer Kilts Research Cures for more information on lung cancer advocacy and research.
• The Great American Smokeout: A reminder of the importance of smoking cessation in preventing lung cancer and supporting overall health.

Tune in to this episode for an in-depth look at how Dr. Holt and the LPOP initiative are reshaping lung cancer care for veterans, offering hope and cutting-edge treatment options.

On this week's episode of Borne the Battle, host Pablo Meza spoke with Rachel Han from VA's mobile app team, who shared how VA is using apps as a digital bridge connecting Veterans to VA's benefits and services.

On this episode of Borne the Battle, we dive into the VA's efforts to make it easier for veterans to access the programs, services, and benefits they've earned. We learn about the VA's phone number, 800-MYVA411, and how it's the organization's "voice front door" to connect veterans with the right person or program. We hear a heartwarming story of a veteran who received assistance from a customer service representative and patient advocate to access the voucher program for the homeless. Our urges listeners who are veterans or have family members who are veterans to enroll in the VA healthcare system and use MYVA411 as a starting point for information and eligibility questions. Overall, this episode highlights the various services and programs offered by the VA and the efforts being made to improve accessibility and assistance for veterans.

In this episode, we talk with Jason Strickland, director of communications for The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. In this week-long event, veterans from 42 different states and 80 VA medical centers or clinics participate in activities such as skiing, fly fishing, rock climbing, and even sled hockey. Participants have a variety of disabilities, including profound disabilities, vision impairment, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries. Organizers work with DAV to bring in sponsors who are committed to serving the veteran community, especially those suffering from disabilities.

Additionally, we discuss how the staff and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to create this event. In addition to serving breakfast, repairing wheelchairs and instructing skiers, there are several volunteer opportunities available. We discuss the competitive nature of the application process for becoming a volunteer, as well as the importance of registering as early as possible.

Follow their journey on social media with the handles @Sports4Vets and at www.wintersportsclinic.org

In this episode of the Borne the Battle Podcast, we're connecting Nick Beelner the Director of the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, an adaptive golf program focused on empowering disabled veterans from coast to coast. We'll discuss the tailored golf lessons, user-friendly equipment, and entertaining activities they offer, as well as the sense of camaraderie and personal growth experienced by participants. Join us as we uncover the power of connection, teamwork, and triumphing over challenges with the remarkable individuals at the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic.  How To Apply For VA Health Care | Veterans - National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic

This week’s Borne the Battle – a benefits breakdown – features the Million Veteran Program (MVP), which is a national, voluntary research program to learn about how genes, lifestyle and military exposures affect health and illness and improve health care for Veterans.

Sumitra Muralidhar, Ph.D. is the program director under VA's Office of Research and Development. Dr. Sumitra is motivated to help Veterans by overseeing the policy and infrastructure development for the collection and use of samples and genetic, clinical, lifestyle and military exposure data from one million Veterans. Since the program’s inception in 2011, 870,000 Veterans have enrolled and partnered with MVP.

The Million Veteran Program is the world’s largest health care system-based research program on genetics, lifestyle, military exposure and health, with the goal of providing precision health care to Veterans and the population at large. Dr. Sumitra provides overall direction and management of the national program across sixty-plus VA medical centers, more than 70 community-based outpatient clinics; she also oversees operational leadership, coordination, implementation and oversight of all aspects of the program’s development and implementation, including policy development, fiscal management, regulatory affairs, public relations and scientific direction.

Precision medicine is an innovative approach that has the potential to cure cancers, wipe out rare diseases, and improve the overall health of Veterans and even the general public. It’s changing the way we think about health care. With MVP, VA hopes to provide an invaluable tool for scientists to use in order to advance research and tailor disease prevention and treatment by taking into account the differences in an individual’s clinical, lifestyle and genetic information.

In this episode of Borne the Battle, Dr. Sumitra answers these questions and more:

• What motivates her to help Veterans at VA?
• Why should Veterans enroll in the Million Veteran Program?
• Why should Veteran’s trust MVP with their genetic information?
• What studies are coming out of the program?
• What is the overall purpose of MVP?
• How VA can keep this genetic data safe through cloud databases?
• How can Veterans sign up and participate in MVP?

Dr. Sumitra encourages Veterans from all backgrounds, races and ethnicities to sign up for the program, so it can really make a difference. It’s a legacy program, and it can revolutionize how health care is delivered for all other Veterans and even the general public.

Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:

• Army Veteran Ismael Medina

Additional Links:

• VA genetics program aims to increase mental health treatments for Veterans;
• Million Veteran Program – 10 years, 850,000 Veterans and one dream to revolutionize health care;
• VA’s Million Veterans Program seeks to enroll more women Veterans;
• VA's Million Veteran Program Publications through December 2021;
• We Need Volunteers;
• You Can Now Join VA's Million Veterans Program Online.
• VA publishes Interim Final Rule for Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program