Veterans Care Today: Kathryn Washington On How The US Has Improved Its Care For Veterans Over The Past Five Years
An Interview With Eric Pines
Failing is a part of the process, and a necessary step in reaching success. I never wanted to fail, and yet I did many times. By failing forward, I have become the best version of myself.
The daily headlines remind us of how countries around the world care or do not care for their military service members. How does the United States hold up with regard to how it cares for its veterans? We know in the past questions have been raised about the VA system, but it seems that a corner has been turned and veterans’ care has improved. How exactly has the VA system been improved? How does the US care for veterans compared to other comparable countries? What exciting new technological or methodological innovations are being used to improve veterans’ health outcomes? To address these questions, we are talking to successful physicians, healthcare workers, veterans, or other VA employees and officials who can share stories and insights from their experience about the state of veterans’ care today and how the US has improved its care for veterans over the last five years.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure to interview Kathryn Washington.
Kathryn Washington is a biologist, public health professional and consultant. Her passion is for science and improving the lives of those around her. Kathryn served in the U.S. Army as a medic. She was diagnosed with sarcoidosis after leaving the military. She has pulmonary, ocular and cutaneous involvement. Kathryn believes in contributing to- and being of service to her community as an advocate and by bringing awareness through education, and community engagement. She serves on committees focusing on veteran suicide, opioid addiction, mental health and well-being in underserved communities. Kathryn is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Patient Advisory Committee and looks forward to building lasting relationships with committee members and FSR.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into our interview, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory and a bit about what brought you to this specific career path?
Growing up, we were a family of dog lovers. My parents believed in volunteering and my first summer assignment was at an animal hospital, run by Dr. Sunshine, a veterinarian. At 16, that experience was a boost for my self-confidence, sense of purpose and strengthened my interest in science. After high school, I enlisted in the United States Army, following the steps of my father and uncle.
I served in the US Army as a medic, and I am now a retired disabled veteran. Despite my training, as a medic, I had several symptoms, but I didn’t act on them. The symptoms I suffered from were skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. It was difficult to differentiate between environmental irritants that could cause allergy like symptoms and symptoms from sarcoidosis. Field training was vital to the mission. They were coordinated exercises used for training purposes and took precedence over all other matters, to include non-life-threatening conditions. Expecting to fulfill a lifelong military career, my injuries and medical conditions abruptly ended my career.
After the military, my symptoms increased in both duration and severity. I spent time in and out of the VA, doctors treating things as they came up, nothing ever pinpointing what was going on. I experienced pain and lived through years of diagnostic errors. In college, I studied biology, sociology and later, public health. I wanted to address the complexities of disease and tackle health disparities and prevention. After 10 years, I was diagnosed, and now living with pulmonary sarcoidosis. My diagnosis changed my life and ultimately led me to my current career in advocacy. As my condition worsened, and I was no longer able to work, I became a rare-disease advocate through the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR). FSR is the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Sarcoidosis. FSR’s global collaboration efforts support and improve patients’ access to clinical trials, education, and advocacy.
My love for volunteering motivated me to continue to serve, and make a difference. I hope to encourage others to use their voice and advocate for what’s important. Advocacy is my passion- and is a true catalyst for change. I can’t envision my life without it.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
The most interesting story happened during Basic Training, where all recruits undergo nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) training in the gas chamber. The purpose of the exercise was to build confidence using our protective equipment and to prepare for chemical attacks. The gas chamber is a room of doom. The gas is an irritant that targets mucus membranes, in the eyes, lungs, nose, mouth and causes coughing. Once in the chamber, Drill Sergeant alerts us with a shoulder touch and instructs us to take a breath, lift our masks, answer questions, and put the mask back on, and secure it. I remember exiting the chamber barely able to open my eyes, gasping for air. Within a short time in fresh air the symptoms cleared. I’ll never forget the feeling of relief walking away as a survivor. Fun times.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein. I’m reminded of the importance of living life intentionally, remaining curious about everything, and looking for messages every experience brings. I can’t change anything from my past but I can learn from it and work to become the best version of myself, that’s what matters most. I can do that by being present, by taking inspired action to enrich my life, and cherishing the most valuable commodity I have, time. Without curiosity, I would have never pursued a career in the military, become an advocate, or thrived in science and public health. I used yesterday’s experience to set me up for today, while understanding that tomorrow holds the key to hope, possibility, and progress. Each day, I’m becoming a better human and living a fulfilled life.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
I serve as an advocate for the Foundation of Sarcoidosis Research (FSR), where I serve as a Patient Advocate and serve on the Women of Color and ACTe Now Patient Advisory Committees. In my role, I raise awareness of sarcoidosis by sharing my story to educate others about sarcoidosis, its risks, and how to manage the disease. My specific focus this past year has been on increasing awareness among Black Americans, who have the highest prevalence. Black Americans are 2.5x more likely to have sarcoidosis, are 12x more likely to die from sarcoidosis and have a hospitalization rate 9x higher than White Americans. It is my mission to reduce these disparities through education and awareness. Currently, we are leading a campaign called Ignore No More: Advance Clinical Trials for Equity in Sarcoidosis (ACTe Now). The aim of this campaign is to address health disparities by increasing representation of Black Americans in clinical trials and research. As a part of the campaign, we launched a patient survey for Black sarcoidosis patients to share their experiences and insights so we may learn more about how to improve care and treatment for Black patients. This campaign and survey will help inform recommendations for better treatment, disease management and care for Black patients and all sarcoidosis patients.
In addition to my roles with FSR, I’m also a member of the Pain/Opioid CORE Veteran Engagement Panel (VEP), as a patient advisor for VA researchers. The purpose of the VEP is to provide reliable and useful feedback on research projects aimed to strengthen and address barriers that impact veterans.
I am also currently working with a team of public health professionals as a contributing co-author, to address best practices and an equitable approach for people in crisis using emergency services.
My role as an advocate, and co-author is to empower and teach people how to be proactive, by encouraging them to advocate and identify what’s important, and be the catalyst for the change they want to see.
How would you define an “excellent healthcare provider”?
I define an excellent healthcare provider as someone who actively listens, is patient-driven, and prioritizes compassion, comfort and empathy for each person. Healthcare providers who focus on whole health will value and encourage patient input, autonomy, and transparency. Providers who put patients first, will adopt shared decision making, focus on patient satisfaction, and transform the patient experience. The goal is to build a lasting and trusting relationship by embracing patient inclusion and maximizing quality of life efforts. I believe the key is finding balance and leading with a non-judgmental approach.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. Based on your experience can you please share three recent improvements to veterans care that you are really pleased about?
The three recent improvements to veteran care that I am pleased with is the PACT ACT, 2022; the VA’s revamped Community Care program, effective 2021; and the 2021 bill S. 3293, Post-9/11 Veterans’ Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2021. Honoring our veterans service by providing evidence-based practices to address veteran suicide; expanding the workforce by hiring trained mental health providers and extending healthcare benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances covered by the PACT ACT, is a step in the right direction. As a result of advocacy, and an investment in our Veterans mental health and wellness, I’m expecting improved health outcomes; and access to medical care.
The PACT ACT (Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act, named after Sergeant first class, Heath Robinson, is one of the largest health care improvements; a new law that expands VA health care benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances. This law can provide millions of veterans and their survivors with benefits and care they’ve earned and deserve.
The PACT ACT will offer 5 major changes:
1. Helps and improve research, treatment for toxic exposure, staff education.
2. Requires VA to provide toxic exposure screening for every veteran enrolled in VA health care.
3. Extends and expands eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures from the Vietnam, Gulf war, and Post 911-eras.
4. Adds more presumptive-toxic exposure locations for agent orange and radiation. According to the VA, “Presumptive” conditions are certain disabilities caused by military service. If a veteran has a presumptive condition, there is no need to prove their service was the cause of the condition. However, the veteran will have to meet service requirements for the presumptive condition (i.e., did exposure occur during the Vietnam, Gulf war and Post 9–11 eras). Before the PACT ACT, veterans were denied most burn pit and toxic exposure claims; and had a shorter timeframe to file their claim for benefits.
5. Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and toxic exposures, sarcoidosis being one. (others include interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary fibrosis, etc.). As someone living with sarcoidosis, who experienced delayed diagnosis (it took 10 years!), the PACT ACT is impactful because sarcoidosis is hard to diagnose but has lifelong implications. Now, even those who are unfortunately diagnosed years later, have a path to care, and may finally receive benefits they deserve.
The second improvement, effective in 2021, is VA’s revamped Community Care program. The program offers healthcare services to veterans, provided by community partners, but paid for by the VA. Initially, veterans could only use community providers as a last resort to care. In 2021, eligible veterans may choose community care if certain requirements are met. I approve of the most recent changes to Community Care because it gives veterans more access to medical care for certain conditions, prevents long wait times and provides remote rural veterans access to health care. (VA, 2021)
The third improvement that I’m excited about is the 2021 bill S. 3293, Post-9/11 Veterans’ Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2021. In summary, the bill will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to:
- Conduct mental health studies.
- Provide mental health consults to veterans applying for VA benefits.
- Hire, recruit and train new employees who provide and specialize in mental health care.
In contrast, can you highlight three areas of veterans care that still need improvement? What would you suggest needs to be done to address those challenges?
Major improvements have been made in the VA. As with any organization, there are areas of care that still need further development. According to the Veterans Affairs, veterans are at a higher risk for suicide compared to the general population. While Veterans make up roughly 8% of the population, they account for almost 14% of adult suicides (VA, 2018).
VA designates suicide prevention teams who are responsible for veterans that are high-risk. Prevention teams provide outreach and resources to help mitigate suicide risk. With the growing number of veterans seen, prevention teams are challenged by increasingly heavy workloads and high turnover and burnout rates. One way to address the issue is to evaluate, assess and implement policy to target and support prevention teams. Address workload and staffing challenges to accommodate the growing needs of mental health workers.
When compared to their civilian counterparts, Veterans experience a higher burden of physical and mental illness. Stigma remains a barrier to care but can be addressed through education, correcting misinformation and realigning negative belief systems and attitudes using evidence-based treatment modalities. Stigma interventions may include educating mental health providers and practitioners to be conscious and compassionate with patients. Avoid discriminatory behaviors or microaggressions toward veterans, advocate and support veterans by increasing awareness; and provide resources to reduce homelessness.
Veterans may not receive the care they need as a result of mistrust, poor communication, and painful past experiences- leading to low confidence in the VA. As one of the largest healthcare organizations, increasing awareness and connecting veterans with programs aimed to improve visibility, promote autonomy, and address reintegration into society is key.
From your perspective how does the US care for veterans compared to other comparable countries?
Comparably, Veteran care in the United States shares both similarities and differences as European countries. A 2014 comparative study revealed delivery and design variations within 5 common domains: Career Transition and Support, Disability and Compensation, Income Support, Rehabilitation, and Health Coverage.
Career Transition Support: The United States offers 36 months of education benefits whereas Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom all offer job finding assistance, vocational training, and Career transition services.
Disability and Compensation: Like the US, each country awards compensation based on disabilities from services, but the United Kingdom doesn’t have time limits on when a veteran can apply for compensation. Canada and the United Kingdom provide lump sum disability awards and United States veterans receive either lump sum or monthly compensation.
Income Support: All countries offer income support to veterans injured during service, with slight differences. Australia bases compensation benefits on income prior to separation. Canada based income on permanent disability and provides veterans with earnings loss benefit, whereas the United States and the United Kingdom bases disability on assessed disability.
Rehabilitation: Each country provides health, medical and rehabilitation services for service-related injuries.
Health Coverage: Every country provides coverage for their Veterans. From my perspective, the US cares for veterans in a similar manner as other countries, with a few exceptions. The United States provides services for a larger population of veterans compared to Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, respectively; and there are slight differences in payment systems, compensation, and disability support (i.e., lump sum vs. monthly compensation).
While committed to improving veteran healthcare and outcomes, each has their individual approach to managing risk, interacting with oversight committees, and improving veteran care. Like the US, every country shows their commitment to monitoring health trends, and tackling topics such as accessible care, addressing homelessness, and approving disability compensation, education and training benefits. Since 2014, there have been improvements made across the board. Circling back, as a reminder of the importance of the PACT ACT, and the passing of recent bills, VA systems as a whole, have taken a huge step in the right direction to address ongoing concerns.
What exciting new technological or methodological innovations are being used to improve veterans’ health outcomes?
Hearing loss is a big issue, so the VA is improving veteran healthcare access and developing new solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve diagnostic testing and efficacy of hearing exams through the development of soundproof headphones and improved hearing aids. Research suggests that hearing loss is common in the military and can be complicated by noise exposure, medication and age. As technology advances, so will medical solutions that provide veterans with accessible, and innovative solutions. (HearingReview, 2019).
10. This is our signature question that we ask in many of our interviews. What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Started My Career”?
The 5 things I wished someone would’ve told me when I started my career:
- Stay curious and continue to evolve. When I was starting out, I relied on my education and experience only. I eventually learned that curiosity is the key to evolving. In time, and with experience, I understood the importance of being open to ideas, opportunities and never giving up.
- Finding a mentor is critical to my success. I would have reached my goal sooner with a mentor. The opportunity didn’t present itself until my enlistment. I had a mentor to teach me the ins and outs of military culture. I quickly learned what was acceptable and what wasn’t. My success as a medic is the result of ongoing mentorship by top medics in the field.
- Learning to accept weaknesses and build on strengths leads to self-reflection, overcoming challenges, and facing fears. This advice would have shortened the path to reaching my goal. After my service and returning home disabled, I felt insecure. Spending time with Veterans with similar experiences helped me deal with my insecurities. As a result, I am an advocate and I contribute to my community.
- To know my worth and never settle for less. Once I could no longer work, I had to release expectations about what I thought my life should look like. Instead, I found my purpose in advocacy and helping others.
- Failing is a part of the process, and a necessary step in reaching success. I never wanted to fail, and yet I did many times. By failing forward, I have become the best version of myself.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would spread the most amount of good to the most people by starting a save a quarter a day movement. Encourage people to put aside a quarter a day and at the end of each month donate the money to a favorite organization or cause.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I can be reached by email at: sosstrategiesofsuccess@gmail.com
Thank you so much for these insights! This was very inspirational and we wish you continued success in your great work.
About the Interviewer: Eric L. Pines is a nationally recognized federal employment lawyer, mediator, and attorney business coach. He represents federal employees and acts as in-house counsel for over fifty thousand federal employees through his work as a federal employee labor union representative. A formal federal employee himself, Mr. Pines began his federal employment law career as in-house counsel for AFGE Local 1923 which is in Social Security Administration’s headquarters and is the largest federal union local in the world. He presently serves as AFGE 1923’s Chief Counsel as well as in-house counsel for all FEMA bargaining unit employees and numerous Department of Defense and Veteran Affairs unions.
While he and his firm specialize in representing federal employees from all federal agencies and in reference to virtually all federal employee matters, his firm has placed special attention on representing Veteran Affairs doctors and nurses hired under the authority of Title. He and his firm have a particular passion in representing disabled federal employees with their requests for medical and religious reasonable accommodations when those accommodations are warranted under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (ADA). He also represents them with their requests for Federal Employee Disability Retirement (OPM) when an accommodation would not be possible.
Mr. Pines has also served as a mediator for numerous federal agencies including serving a year as the Library of Congress’ in-house EEO Mediator. He has also served as an expert witness in federal court for federal employee matters. He has also worked as an EEO technical writer drafting hundreds of Final Agency Decisions for the federal sector.
Mr. Pines’ firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has offices in Baltimore, Maryland and Atlanta, Georgia. His first passion is his wife and five children. He plays classical and rock guitar and enjoys playing ice hockey, running, and biking. Please visit his websites at www.pinesfederal.com and www.toughinjurylawyers.com. He can also be reached at eric@pinesfederal.com.
Veterans Care Today: Kathryn Washington On How The US Has Improved Its Care For Veterans Over The… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.