From: Jeffrey M. Robbins, DPM
Please note that Kittra Owens, DPM has been Chief of Staff at the Montgomery VAMC for a few years now. I am confident that there will be more [podiatrists becoming Chiefs of Staff at VAMCs] to come.
Jeffrey M. Robbins, DPM, Former National Podiatric Medical Director, Department of Veterans Affairs
MI Podiatrist Appointed Chief of Staff at Iron Mountain VA MC
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has announced the appointment of Victor Quijano, DPM, PhD as the chief of staff of the facility effective Oct. 6. As chief of staff, Dr. Quijano oversees all medical staff including physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other specialties. In addition, he supervises support services including radiology, health profession trainee education, and credentialing and privileging.
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Dr. Victor Quijano |
Dr. Quijano has over 22 years of healthcare experience, eight of which are in leadership roles, both in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private sector. Prior to assuming this position, he served as the deputy chief of staff – hospital services at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. In addition, he previously served as the chief of surgery in Colorado and chief of podiatry in Portland, Oregon.
Source: Bud Sargent, The Mining Journal [10/18/25]
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society Honors AZ Podiatrist
Arthur Evensen, DPM, a podiatric surgical resident at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), was awarded the VA Outstanding Employee award by the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS). This recognition is a testament to Dr. Evensen’s unwavering commitment to supporting and advocating for the Veterans he serves. In a special ceremony at SAVAHCS, Dr. Evensen was presented with a Director's Coin by Jennifer Gutowski, the SAVAHCS Director, recognizing his outstanding achievement.
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(L-R) Jennifer Gutowski, Drs. Arthur Evensen and James Dancho |
James Dancho, DPM, Director of Podiatric Surgery at SAVAHCS, shared his thoughts on Dr. Evensen's award. "Dr. Evensen is absolutely the best choice by the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. He has been a valuable addition to our residency program and a remarkable example for other residents. As a Veteran myself, I understand Dr. Evensen's compassion and dedication to Veteran care. This award could not have gone to someone more deserving."
Source: VA Department of Veterans Affairs [5/22/25]
04/18/2016
VA PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
VA Podiatrist Participates in Viet Nam Training Mission
Roger W. Hamm, DPM of the Louis Stoke VA Medical Center recently participated in a medical training team in Viet Nam. The team was organized by Vets with a Mission (VWAM) and traveled to Hoa Bac Civilian-Military Clinic, Da Nang Province and Hong Ha – Floyd Olsen Memorial Clinic, Thua Thien Hue Province. The medical training team was composed of three physicians and two nurse practitioners. While at the village clinic, the medical training team trained clinic physicians, nurses, and villagers in first aid and emergency medical care.
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Dr. Roger Hamm (top row, right) pictured with members of the Vets with a Mission on his recent medical mission to Vietnam. |
The village life-savers were trained in basic first aid and CPR, while the clinic staff was trained in emergency medicine, diagnostic ultrasound, and suturing. This training is valuable as the district hospitals are 45 minutes to one hour from the village and the general hospitals are over 90 minutes away. The 2017 team will train a total of ninety medical personnel and villagers from the Hoa Vang District.
08/29/2013
VA PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
OH Podiatrist Attends Homeland Security Training
Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center surgical staff member Danae Lowell, DPM recently attended Healthcare Leadership Training (HCL) at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, AL along with three Cleveland VA nurses: Bea Tabor, Sheree Roberto, NP, and Tracie Squire, RN.
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Dr. Danae Lowell and Dr. Daniel J. Bochicchio, Director, VHA Office of Emergency Management |
The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the only federally-chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction training facility in the nation. The 5-day HCL course included 2½ days of classroom work with 2 days of drills focusing on patient care and hospital functions during disasters.
