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Women Veterans Program Manager Update |
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Happy summer!
In our summer newsletter, we introduce you to our two gynecologists and our peer support specialist team, and highlight trauma informed care (TIC), which we integrate into all levels of care.
We have some exciting events in the fall! September marks VA’s 100th anniversary of women’s health care. We invite you to join us for a health fair at the main hospital to celebrate on September 12, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
We cannot overlook the fact that women Veterans make up the fastest-growing segment of our Veteran population, with over two million women Veterans living in the United States today. Their service and sacrifice deserve our utmost respect, appreciation, and unwavering commitment to their well-being.
We host our annual breast cancer awareness fair at the Madison VA Hospital on October 24, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness, stop by the event and join us for a photo with staff who will also be wearing pink.
We hope you enjoy the remainder of summer and look forward to seeing you at our fall events!
-Tami Towne
Women Veteran Program Nurse Manager
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 No matter what your journey looks like following a pregnancy, we’re here for you at every turn.
You have access to VA health care after a pregnancy, including:
✅ Connection to primary care and physical recovery from birth
✅ Maternity Care Coordinators to help you access care
✅ Mental health check-ins and counseling
✅ Pregnancy/infant loss resources
✅ Connection to support groups and community resources
✅ Substance use support
✅ Sexual health services
Your health care team is here to support you physically and mentally, so you can achieve your best health. Challenges feeding your baby may affect your emotional well-being. Many VA facilities offer lactation services and programs to help you keep your baby fed and your mind at ease, no matter how you choose to feed your baby. Talk with your maternity care coordinator about the care you need or visit Breastfeeding and Lactation - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov).
Not every pregnancy journey goes as planned. VA is here to help you feel supported, no matter what. Speak to your health care team about how VA can support you in case of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. For more resources, visit Maternity Care - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov).
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How to Connect with VA GYN |
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If you are having gynecology concerns, make an appointment with your women’s health primary care doctor or nurse practitioner who can enter a gynecology consult if you require higher level specialty care.
Initial gynecology consults can be completed at the in-person or by video appointment. If an exam is needed, an in-person appointment is recommended for a consult. If surgery or another gynecology specialty is necessary that isn’t provided at VA, your gynecologist will enter a community care referral for you to be treated within the community.
Some of the conditions seen in gynecology include:
- Abnormal pap (Colposcopy)
- Contraception placement/removal (IUD and Nexplanon)
- Pelvic prolapse (pessary)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Menopausal conditions
Veterans seen by gynecology at least every two years may contact their provider to schedule follow-up appointments or discuss other related concerns.
Dr. Jeffrey Rodzak
Mondays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 12 Noon
608-280-7209
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Dr. Amy Domeyer-Klenske
2nd/4th Friday; 8 a.m. – 12 Noon; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
608-280-7209
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VA Practice Incorporates
Trauma Informed Care
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Trauma is anything resulting from distressing or disturbing experiences that overwhelms an individual’s capacity to cope, and it is our goal to treat all Veterans with empathy to help with the healing process.
Since trauma can happen to anyone and its effects are not always visible, we want Veterans to feel safe receiving health care at the Madison VA, especially if medical appointments may be emotionally triggering or may feel invasive to you.
Trauma can result from abuse, neglect, violence, poverty, life-threatening illnesses, accidents, grief, loss, witnessing acts of violence, war or a natural disaster. It can have lasting negative effects on your mental, physical, social, emotional and/or spiritual well-being.
The Madison VA hospital and clinics are implementing a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach to health care. This approach considers the unique experiences of each Veteran, including how trauma impacts a person’s life, symptoms experienced and what works to prevent re-traumatization.
You should feel comfortable discussing your needs with health care providers. An appointment should be an experience that makes you feel you are in a safe space. These visits are not just for addressing physical illness but are about treating your entire mind, body and soul.
By implementing this approach, we shift the lens of how we care for our Veterans. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” we ask, “What happened to you?”
Following the principles of trauma informed care provides us a complete picture of each Veteran’s life and any trauma that occurred. This approach aims to treat you with empathy to help with healing. It allows Veterans to be engaged and invested in their own health while allowing them to thrive in their health care surroundings.
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Meet the Madison VA Recovery Team
Rhea Vacha, Local Recovery Coordinator
I come from a long line of men and women who served in the military. I married a Marine who ended his military career so we could start a family. I wholeheartedly believe in the good of everyone and feel my job allows me to connect with, mentor and help others achieve their recovery goals.
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Ann Buchwald (maiden name: Boehlefeld), Women’s Health Peer Specialist
I spent 13 years in the Navy during which I was forward deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I became a peer to support other Veterans in their search for recovery. As a woman and as a Veteran, I struggled with taking time for myself but now understand the value of taking a step back and putting myself first. I remind myself and others that taking time for you is needed; it’s not selfish or bad. It’s something we all need to do.
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Jonathan Makool, Peer Specialist
I have been a peer specialist for close to 17 years. My father served in the Army during World War II, as did his brother, aunt and great uncle. My son is a former Marine. I assist Veterans with severe and persistent mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, physical challenges and other challenges. I model recovery to Veterans and assist them in achieving their own recovery. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our Military heroes!
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Douglas “Brent” Hass, Mental Health & ADTP (Rockford)
I joined the Army the day I turned 17 and spent almost six years active duty, first with the Army Security Agency and then Infantry. Being a peer gives me the opportunity to help others going through the pain and confusion of PTSD and addiction. I know what it feels like to have no hope and to wonder why others could be helped but not me. Veterans going through similar circumstances is who I dedicate my life’s work. If I can be helped to a better life, it can work for anybody.
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Paul Hameister, Peer Support Specialist
I served in the Marines from 2014-2018 and had two combat deployments spanning four countries: Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Jordan. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and am currently working towards a master’s degree in military veterans counseling. I have always been fascinated with how the brain works and, after experiencing my own mental health problems, I wanted to help others.
My journey started before leaving the Corps when someone supported me after two failed suicide attempts, which motivated me to help others in their journey. This included sobriety and cutting addictive things out of my life, such as alcohol and cocaine, to set myself up for the best head space possible. Although, these thoughts and feelings aren't entirely gone, I am proud to work with Veterans who experience similar situations.
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Chester Hollins, HUD VASH Peer Support Specialist
I served six years in the Army and have been a peer with the VA for six months having recently become a certified specialist. I work with the Madison HUDVASH program, but being a peer is important to me. I swore an oath of duty to serve my country upon entering the Army and have never been relieved of that duty. One motto that soldiers live by is that we leave no soldiers behind. Being a peer exemplifies that motto. ARMY STRONG, HOORAH!
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New Chang, Peer Specialist
I work in the Madison VA Homeless Program after serving in the Army for 15 years. Everyone has a story, and everyone has experiences to share that others can have hope. I’ve had mental health issues related to chronic pain and traumatic stress. Those experiences taught me that there are resources to help and people who care. I know what it means to have support and how crucial having hope is - that is why I do the things that I do, that is why I am a peer specialist.
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 September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.
Uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, affecting more than 800,000 people in the United States. You are at risk for uterine cancer as long as you have a uterus, and the risk only increases with age.
Uterine cancer is NOT tested for during routine exams. In fact, there are no screening tests for uterine cancer for those who do not have any signs or symptoms. This is why it’s especially important to know the symptoms and to know when your body doesn’t feel right.
If you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding that isn’t normal for you or if you have pelvic pain and discomfort, talk to your doctor right away. Early detection is key.
Learn more at PAP Test and Gynecologic Cancer - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov)
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