Syracuse VA Medical Center

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

We are proud to announce that Kristina Gilbert is our DAISY award winner for the month of February 2026.

The following comment was written by a colleague.

I’m so grateful for my teammate Kristina and the care she gives to our Veterans. Recently, a Veteran’s spouse reached out with concerns about her husband’s mental health, and Kristina responded with incredible persistence and empathy. Through her years of dedication and building trust with this family, Kristina was able to encourage the Veteran to seek help when it mattered most. Her compassion and commitment quite literally made a lifesaving difference. I’m proud to work alongside someone who goes above and beyond every day.

06/03/2026

Syracuse VA introduces latest surgical technology

The Syracuse VA Medical Center today announced that it will debut the latest robotic-assisted surgery technology in its operating rooms. The updated system will dramatically improve the patient experience for Veterans in Central New York.

This next-generation system allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through tiny, minimally invasive incisions, which dramatically reduces trauma to the body and translates to less post-operative pain. It also includes an added sense of touch, helping surgeons handle tissue more gently and precisely, which may lead to better outcomes for patients. The use of this technology also results in fewer complications and faster recovery times, getting Veterans back to their families and daily lives sooner.

"I feel strongly that this is the way future surgeries are going to continue to be performed until further technological innovation occurs," said Dr. Rahul Dudhani, Chief of Surgery. "And staying at the forefront of this technology is essential for us as an organization to fulfill our promise to the citizens who serve our country. We are committed to ensuring they have access to the best healthcare possible when their military service ends.”

The new da Vinci 5 platform builds on the success of the current da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, bringing meaningful improvements designed to enhance patient care, support surgeons, and improve operating room efficiency. The system also features clearer, more advanced 3D imaging, giving surgeons a sharper and more detailed view during procedures. Combined with improved instrument control, this allows for greater accuracy in even the most delicate operations.

Beyond the direct clinical benefits at the bedside, integrating this state-of-the-art infrastructure serves as a powerful tool for recruitment and retention. Top-tier surgeons and residents look to practice at institutions that refuse to compromise on technology, ensuring Syracuse VA continues to attract premier medical talent to care for its patients.

06/03/2026

Attention Veterans!
Health Benefits staff from the Syracuse VA Medical Center will be on-site to process Veteran ID cards at the following locations:

• Rome—June 5, 2026—9am- 1pm
• Binghamton—June 15, 2026—9am- 1pm

06/02/2026

Today, we had the distinct privilege of honoring Mr. Fred Wheeler on a monumental milestone—his 104th birthday. To mark the occasion, we presented him with a Centenarian Award signed by VA Secretary Doug Collins.

Mr. Wheeler is a U.S. Army WWII Veteran who served as a sniper in the Philippines. Standing beside a member of the Greatest Generation is a powerful reminder of the profound legacy of service we have the responsibility to uphold every day.

Fred, thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and your lifetime of dedication to our nation. It is an absolute honor to serve you.

Please join us in wishing Mr. Wheeler a very happy 104th birthday in the comments below.

06/02/2026

Have you downloaded our Couples Coach App? Couples can improve communication and build trust in their relationship. Try exercises to practice active listening so you can navigate conflict better with your partner. https://mobile.va.gov/app/couples-coach

06/01/2026

The Syracuse VA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Ng as our Chief of Staff. Dr. Ng officially steps into this vital role after recently completing a successful 120-day detail as our Acting Chief of Staff.

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Ng will direct clinical operations and patient care services, bringing an exceptional wealth of executive healthcare experience and a deep commitment to serving Central New York's Veterans.

Dr. Ng is board certified in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Informatics. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Northwell Health, NY, after earning degrees from New York University, Georgetown University, and New York Medical College.

Deeply passionate about improving quality of care, patient flow, and the overall Veteran experience, Dr. Ng routinely leverages system redesign tools and clinical informatics to drive positive change. His notable national initiatives include the VHA Shark Tank best practice winner “Surviving your SEPsis90 program” and the "Reducing Admit Delays for Veterans" project. He is a recipient of the Physician of the Year award at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center and has completed both the VHA’s Healthcare Leadership Development Program (HCLDP) and the VHA’s Inpatient Flow Academy.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Ng’s permanent leadership, vision, and dedication as we continue to advance our clinical mission. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ng and welcoming him into his new role!

06/01/2026

For 80 years, VA health care has been shaped by research and informed by Veterans’ experience, setting the foundation for a future of exceptional health care.
Every study and every advancement builds on the one before it—pushing Veteran care forward.