VA Physician and Provider of the Year work at Minneapolis VA

By Tim Engstrom
From left are 3rd District Vice Commander Kelley Ackerman, 2nd District Finance Officer Steve Fosness, Department Adjutant Mike Maxa, Dr. Karen Armbrust, nurse practitioner Amy Stanwood, Department Commander Linda Dvorak, Department Assistant Adjutant Janet Lorenzo and 10th District Vice Commander Matt Berens. They are in Washington at the Washington Hilton on March 2, where the awards were presented.

WASHINGTON — Dr. Karen Armbrust and nurse practitioner Amy Stanwood of the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System were honored by The American Legion for their excellent care to veterans.

The American Legion VA Physician and Healthcare Provider of the Year awards were presented to Armbrust and Stanwood by Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Linden Dixon and VA Secretary Doug Collins during the Commander’s Call of the 66th Washington Conference at the Washington Hilton on March 2.

Armbrust, an ophthalmologist, was presented with The American Legion’s VA Physician of the Year Award. Stanwood, an endocrine nurse practitioner, was presented The American Legion’s VA Healthcare Provider of the Year Award.

The citatation for both awards reads, “Your dedication to caring for our nation’s veterans illustrates your professionalism and countless hours dedicated to ensuring veterans are treated with respect while receiving exceptional healthcare.”

The VA Physician of the Year Award was established in 2017 when Dr. Tina Shaw, a White House Fellow, challenged the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission to create the annual award. While meeting the challenge, the Legion also created the VA Healthcare Provider of the Year Award.

Minneapolis VA Director Pat Kelly and Chief of Staff Dr. Mike Armstrong spoke highly of them when they led a local ceremony when the two women returned to work on March 9.

“My favorite thing in the world is taking care of veterans,” said Stanwood.

“Thanks to The American Legion for all that you do,” Armbrust said.