Join these VA innovators in reimagining Veteran care 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to improving the lives of the more than 9 million Veterans who rely on us for healthcare, and that includes always looking for better ways to provide that care. VA has long been pioneering progress in research and innovation, benefiting our nation’s heroes and all Americans.

Check out the outstanding work of these VA innovators and learn how you too can bring your skills and insights to VA.

Helping Veterans maintain independence

Regaining strength, mobility, and independence after hospitalization is crucial for Veterans to maintain their daily activity levels.

Dr. Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, associate director for research at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System’s Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, recently received the Paul B. Magnuson Award for her work exploring how higher-intensity rehabilitation can better support everyday activities and improve quality of life for older Veterans.

“My research team’s work focuses on helping older Veterans maintain and regain mobility so they can live more independently,” Stevens-Lapsley said. “We design and implement rehabilitation approaches that build strength, improve walking ability and support everyday activities like getting out of a chair, moving safely and returning home after illness or hospitalization.”

Improving accessibility for Veterans

Michael ‘Ed’ Hogg’s innovation was borne from a simple idea after seeing a Veteran struggle to reach his food tray. So, Hogg assembled a team and started designing a prototype for an accessible food drawer tailored to the cafeteria environment which, after a few iterations, is now available for use at the Charles George VA in Asheville, North Carolina.

Hogg persevered, knowing that small changes can reap big benefits. “It may seem like a little thing, but if you are having a bad day, it’s just one more avoidable frustration,” said Hogg.

Enabling innovation across VA

Dr. Indra Sandal, Chief of Innovation at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, was awarded the 2025 Federal Excellence in Healthcare Management Award in honor of her exceptional leadership, mentorship, ethical standards, and commitment to professional and community development in healthcare management.

Dr. Sandal launched the VHA-Uber Health Connect Initiative (VUHC) to reduce transportation barriers for Veterans traveling to medical appointments and improve access to care. She is also the founder of the Veterans Health Venture Studio, a groundbreaking public-private innovation engine designed to develop solutions to VA’s healthcare challenges.

Join our team

If leading the future of care sounds like a fit for you, consider a rewarding career at VA. Here are a few current openings across the nation:

Apply today to join the innovators at VA driving transformative change in service of our Veterans.