San Francisco VA Medical Center facts for kids
The San Francisco VA Medical Center, also known as the SFVAMC, is a special hospital for military veterans. It is located in San Francisco, California. The main building is found in the Richmond District, near the former Fort Miley Military Reservation. This area is close to the famous Golden Gate and is surrounded by the beautiful Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The SFVAMC has a very large research program, which helps discover new ways to treat illnesses. In 2015, they spent over $90 million on research! This medical center also works as a teaching hospital for the UCSF School of Medicine, helping to train new doctors.
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History of the SFVAMC
The San Francisco VA Medical Center first opened its doors in 1934. Over the years, it has grown to include several smaller clinics in different towns. These clinics help veterans get medical care closer to where they live.
VA Clinics in Northern California
- San Francisco VA Downtown Clinic: This clinic offers basic medical care and help for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
- Clearlake VA Clinic: Located in Clearlake.
- Eureka VA Clinic: Found in Eureka.
- San Bruno VA Clinic: In San Bruno.
- Santa Rosa VA Clinic: Located in Santa Rosa.
- Ukiah VA Clinic: Found in Ukiah.
Special Achievements and Care
The SFVAMC is known for being excellent in several important areas of medicine. They have special "National Centers of Excellence" for treating conditions like:
- Epilepsy (a brain disorder that causes seizures)
- Heart surgery
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect people after very stressful events
- HIV (a virus that affects the immune system)
- Renal dialysis (a treatment for kidney failure)
The medical center also has a special program called "Telephone Linked Care." This program helps patients get care and advice over the phone, making it easier for them to manage their health.
Working with Partners
The SFVAMC works closely with other organizations to provide the best care and research.
Partnership with UCSF
For more than 50 years, the SFVAMC has been connected with the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF). All the doctors who work at the SFVAMC are also part of the UCSF School of Medicine. This partnership helps ensure that veterans receive top-notch medical care and that new medical discoveries are made.
Research and Education
The Northern California Institute of Research and Education is a special non-profit group that does research right on the SFVAMC grounds. They work independently but help with important studies.
Helping Student Veterans
The City College of San Francisco and the SFVAMC teamed up to create a health office on the college campus. This office helps students who are veterans, especially those using the G.I. Bill to pay for their education. This program is a great example of how to support young veterans across the country.
