OU workshop teaches aspiring health professionals how to support veterans’ health and well-being

Oakland University’s ninth annual Interprofessional Education Workshop brought together students and faculty from the professions of nursing, medicine, physical therapy, public health and social work to learn how they can work together to support veterans’ health and well-being.  

Keynote speaker Dr. Jeffrey S. Yarvis, a military social work scholar and retired U.S, Army colonel, shared personal experiences, clinical expertise, research and case studies to illustrate the challenges that service members face on and off the battlefield.

His presentation focused on the role that interprofessional teams play in breaking down barriers that discourage service members from talking about their experiences and seeking help.

“Warriors often are told not to talk about what they’ve experienced,” said Yarvis, senior professor of practice at Tulane University’s School of Social Work. “There’s this so-called ‘code of silence’ that has been transmitted from generation to generation.” 

Yarvis said that social stigmas often influence how veterans navigate combat-related issues, including mental health disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

Since these maladies frequently coexist and present differently across demographics, he explained that clinicians need to ask the right questions to help veterans receive proper diagnoses and care. 

“You can’t find the fever if you don’t take the temperature,” said Yarvis. “Even just asking the simple question ‘have you ever served (in the military?)’ can open up the aperture to a range of issues.”

He also advocated for care and support of veterans’ families and caregivers, who share in the struggles that veterans face.

“Our families are the silent warriors that go on this journey with us,” he said. “They need support too.”

Following the keynote, students gathered in small interprofessional groups to discuss a case study of a Navy veteran coping with chronic physical and mental health problems.

Each group was led by a faculty facilitator who helped guide discussion on how interprofessional team members can collaborate to serve the needs of veterans and their families.

Discussion touched on a myriad of issues, including the importance of ethically obtaining health histories to identify physical health, mental health and psychosocial challenges faced by veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.

“My main takeaway is that we must holistically care for the veteran population.   This care involves not only their physical health, but also their spiritual and mental well-being,” said Diego Castillo, a student in OU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “We must be culturally sensitive, as their experiences are different from a civilian's. When we gain their trust to take care of them, we can give them the best care.” 

“There is such an importance in listening to what is being said by the client and also what is not,” added Chelsea Campbell, who’s pursuing a master’s degree in social work. “Veterans face such a unique set of challenges when dealing with their mental and physical health that only members of that community will ever fully understand. It may take a time before a professional will fully gain a veteran’s trust.” 

Joshua Thomas, an M2 student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, said it’s important for care providers to follow up with veterans to ensure they get the support they need. 

“Many veterans may hesitate to seek help or may not be aware of available resources, making consistent follow-ups crucial in addressing their physical, mental, and social well-being,” Thomas noted. “Regular check-ins can help build trust, encourage them to utilize necessary services, and ultimately improve their overall quality of life.” 

Later, Maria Beam, director of OU’s social work program, moderated a panel discussion in which health care leaders shared best practices for supporting veterans’ mental health, physical health, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The four panelists were Dr. Lakisha Davis Flagg, retired U.S. Army Nurse Corps. officer, CEO of Coaching for Healthcare Leaders, LLC; Tiyana Payne, program manager for the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center; Jeff Schultz, orthopedic physical therapist at McLaren Flint Medical Center and Dr. Walter Klimkowski, interim associate chief of staff of primary care and deputy associate chief of staff at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, in Detroit. 

This year’s workshop was organized by the Oakland University Interprofessional Education Task Force, which consists of faculty from the School of Health Sciences (Master of Public Health and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs), School of Nursing, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, and College of Arts and Sciences (Social Work Program). Funding and support for the workshop were provided by the School of Health Sciences and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.