Medical professionals at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System continually work to support the overall health of veterans and their loved ones. To further that goal, several Mental Health Services staff members are focusing on the Bay Pines Enrichment Program.
“We really need mental health professionals in our health care system, and projections indicate that the demand for services will only increase,” said Dr. Rodrigo Berezmolo, director of VA Mental Health at Bay Pines. Stated. “Providers who are well-equipped at the start of their careers do a better job and stay with us longer. What I love about this program is its focus on participants' professional growth. That's the point.
Psychologists typically have two years after graduation to complete licensure requirements. Unfortunately, new psychologists may struggle during their first year on the job. Armed with this realization, Dr. Berezmoro directed a group of medical experts to develop a program to combat this situation.
Bay Pines VA neuropsychologist Dr. Deborah Radmanesh and Bay Pines VA home primary care psychologist Dr. Eric Sullivan are two members of that group who helped launch the two-year mentoring program.
“The transition from student to full-time employee can be a big change,” Dr. Sullivan said. “This program is personally meaningful to me because when I started working at the VA, I felt like I was adrift. I'm happy to be able to provide you with this experience.”
Launched nearly a year ago, this innovative enrichment program is the first of its kind in Bay Pines, Virginia, and promotes successful licensure, retention, and transition for staff who recently earned their psychology Ph.D. The purpose is that.
“This is a new level that allows us to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for people who may not have the same level of guidance that they had in graduate school,” Dr. Radmanesh said.
In the first year of the program, eight participants were able to attend weekly seminars led by senior staff. The seminar provided additional resources related to professional success, work-life balance, and a variety of professional development topics. Recently, this program was expanded to support mental health workers. The ultimate goal is to expand it to include all areas within mental health services.
“This is a great concept, especially for people who have very little experience with veterans,” said Dr. Doug Caro, a clinical psychologist with the Bay Pines Veterans Association and a member of the original participants. “Participating in the program was a great way for me to become familiar with my job and the organization. This resource has allowed me to perform my job better.”
