Serving Those Who Served
For Kristen Ettlin, MPAS, PA-C and Dalton Gifford, DMSc, PA-C, CPAAPA, practicing within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more than a job — it’s a calling.
“Growing up, I spent a fair amount of time at our local VA hospital with my two veteran grandfathers while they received medical care,” said Ettlin, who practices in cardiothoracic surgery at a VA hospital in Columbia, Missouri. “During my undergraduate education, I volunteered in the emergency room at the same VA hospital and performed ancillary tasks such as cleaning rooms between patients, stocking supplies, and transporting patients for imaging or tests.”
Ettlin credits the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) for helping her launch her career.
“The VA not only helped me avoid huge amounts of student loan and personal debt but also ensured I would have a stable place to work for at least two years after graduation,” Ettlin said. “After completing my service obligation, I have continued to work for the VA, and I have now completed almost five years of federal service.”
From Pandemic Frontlines to Critical Care
Gifford, who practices in critical care at the VA in Lexington, Kentucky, found his path to the VA shaped by the pandemic. Graduating from PA school at the height of the COVID crisis, he immediately began a postgraduate critical care residency program at the University of Kentucky.
“Utilizing the skills and knowledge I gained from the residency program, I accepted a position within the Medical ICU at the University of Kentucky and continued working in the ICU throughout the pandemic,” Gifford said.
After a brief pivot to interventional radiology, Gifford returned to critical care when a position opened at the local VA hospital.
“I had the privilege to work with several veterans at my previous employer and was elated at the opportunity to serve them directly,” he said. “Veterans represent a distinct population with unique experiences, challenges and opportunities that can positively influence their lives.”
Why the VA System Stands Out
Both PAs emphasize the value of working within the VA system, particularly with its focus on development and support.
Ettlin highlights the mentorship and professional development she found in cardiothoracic surgery.