RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest single provider of medical education in the United States and is often the preferred training site for medical students and residents. However, changing priorities of patients and the marketplace are forcing medical schools and the VA to consider new ways of practicing medicine and relating to each other. This article reviews the value of that relationship. METHODS: The authors describe a VA and Department of Defense sharing agreement and the development of a federal medical center as well as the involvement of a local medical college and the impact on education. RESULTS: The federal medical center will provide more clinical services to veterans, active duty service members, and their beneficiaries. Trainees see a variety of young adults of both genders and are exposed to behaviors and pathology not commonly seen in typical general adult inpatient VA psychiatric units. CONCLUSION: The federal facility will provide accessible, high quality health care for active duty and veteran patients. It benefits trainees by enriching their training experience and allowing students and residents to receive a comprehensive clinical experience by caring for diversified patients with a wide range of pathology.
