Delivering More, Together Department of Veterans Affairs

In this episode Dr. Ryan Vega and Kristopher Teague, the Executive Director and Deputy Director of the VHA Innovation Ecosystem, respectfully, talk with Blake Henderson about how VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) works, its role in building a culture of innovation at VHA, and we learn that neither understands the concept of a “lightning round” questions.

In this episode Blake Henderson sits down with Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Deputy Under Secretary for Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks. Dr. Clancy and Blake discuss how VHA Innovation Ecosystem’s work impacts the broader universe of innovation at VA and the impact of telehealth. Dr. Clancy also highlights how, through her incredible experience and travels, she has been able to collaborate with US allies to approach challenges in new ways that ultimately enhance our ability to provide care.

In this episode Allison Amrhein speaks with Dr. Beth Ripley, Director of the VHA 3D Printing Network and Suzanne Shirley, the Director of Fellowship and Community Engagement for the VHA Innovation Ecosystem. Together, they discuss how VHA Innovation Ecosystem leverages partnerships to serve clinicians and Veterans across the country. They also highlight how partnerships in 3D Printing and Respite Relief have provided unique resources and support to our country during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In this episode Allison Amrhein speaks with Suzanne Shirley, Director of Fellowships and Community Engagement for VHA Innovation Ecosystem, and Danielle Krakora, a Senior Innovator Fellow and Product Manager with the Office of Information Technology. Together, they have helped mold many successful innovations events and engagements with partners from the private, academic and non-profit sectors. These events allow VHA Innovation Ecosystem to receive new input and fresh perspectives on how to solve Veterans healthcare challenges.

Allison Amrhein and Brynn Cole speak with Terri Ohlinger, a Surgical Intensive Care Unit Nurse from at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and Charles Franklin, Community Employment Coordinator, at the Boston VA Medical Center. Together they discuss how the Innovators Network helps empower a community of VHA employees to innovate. Innovators Network takes a ground up approach by using the first-hand knowledge of frontline employees to identify some of VA’s greatest challenges and to develop both Veteran- and employee-centric solutions.

In this episode Blake Henderson talks with Dr. Shannon Munro about innovative work through the Diffusion of Excellence.