DOM In the News
Read about how the Department of Medicine is responding to the outbreak of the coronavirus respiratory illness COVID-19. See related COVID-19 publications.
Geri Spotlight: Angela Suen and Preston Carroway
The Geriatrics Spotlight initiative fosters community building within the Division, especially during this age of hybrid/remote work where it can be challenging to find ways to interact with colleagues outside of your immediate teams. This is a way for Division members to learn more about all the wonderful work we’re doing!
This week, we get to know our division fellows, Angela Suen and Preston Carroway.
Role: T32 Fellow & Clinical Instructor
Joined Division: 2023
Work site: SFVAHCS and from home
Email: [email protected]
Interviewed by Preston Carroway at the VA.
About Angela’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Angela holds the position of Clinical Instructor at the VA, where she is currently engaged in a project examining the differences in healthcare and palliative care among patients dealing with COPD and IPF. The aim of this project is to harness the acquired data to enhance the models for delivering palliative care to individuals facing respiratory diseases. The direct impact of Angela's work is focused on elevating the quality of care for older adults dealing with respiratory conditions.
One of the aspects Angela finds most gratifying in her role is the chance to engage in cross-divisional collaboration.
What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Angela aspires to submit one publication for manuscript review and contribute to the review process as a co-author for two manuscripts.
More about Angela
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
One of Angela's eyes makes a squeaking noise.
What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Angela is happiest when spending time with her two children, aged 2 and 4.
Role: VAQS Fellow & General Surgery resident at UCSF East Bay
Joined Division: 2023
Work site: SFVAHCS and from home
Email: [email protected]
Interviewed by Angela Suen at the VA.
About Preston’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Preston presently holds the position of General Surgery resident at UCSF East Bay, where he is actively involved in researching and modeling high arterial wall stress in moderate-sized thoracic aortic aneurysms. These aneurysms have a disproportionate impact on older adults. This novel mechanism is used to pinpoint specific areas for surgical intervention. The goal is to precisely identify older adults who would benefit most from surgical repair before the potential emergence of a dissection or rupture, which pose emergency situations.
One of Preston's favorite aspects of his role is the ability to work from home and facilitating collaboration with different people who offer different perspectives.
What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Preston would like to publish at least one research publication this year.
More about Preston
What is a “fun fact” about you that not many people know?
Preston used to play the trombone in his high school's marching band.
What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Preston is the happiest when he's surrounded by water, whether it's sailing on a boat or relaxing at the beach.
Kudos from the Director: Hemodialysis Unit
One of the best dialysis units they have ever seen. That’s what surveyors from The Joint Commission expressed to me about our Hemodialysis Unit after our recent Joint Commission survey. I was so thrilled to hear that. It was also fascinating for me to hear the JC surveyors say this since they have seen hundreds of dialysis units at both private and VA facilities all over the country.
Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Cynthia Delgado, Oksook Kim, Sharon Offril, Dr. David Lovett, and the entire Hemodialysis Unit team. You should all be very proud of your accomplishment. The hemodialysis team has done such a fantastic job at creating a sense of community and teamwork. When I visited the unit, employees told me they felt respected by their supervisors and coworkers and enjoyed working on a team that accepts one another’s differences. They said what made their jobs easier is that they all work with one goal in mind—helping our Veterans.
Dr. Delgado wrote to me, “we did not achieve our success without the support of Engineering, Clinical Informatics, OI&T and EMS. Members from these departments were instrumental in efficiently addressing issues prior to our inspection. Oftentimes, these issues required repeated visits and I do want to thank the folks who often work behind the scenes and may not necessarily get our thanks.” Thank you to all the services that were instrumental in this accomplishment.
Beginning on June 6, our Veterans will have more choices to seek their care in the community. With exceptional teams like the Hemodialysis Unit in so many other areas at the SFVAHCS, I am confident Veterans will continue to choose us for their health care needs. The dedication I see in our employees every single day at the SFVAHCS is what differentiates us from private hospitals. Why should Veterans choose VA? This team is another example.
Thank you for being part of the reason why Bay Area Veterans choose and trust the San Francisco VA Health Care System for their health care.