Mount Sinai welcomes U.S. Veterans to apply to their new VA training program
This year, Mount Sinai Medical Center achieved official certification as a Veterans training site by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Now, eligible Veterans can apply for and receive VA education benefits during their medical residency. In carrying out its mission of delivering high-quality care, the medical center, by introducing this program, not only underscores its commitment to fostering the bright doctors of tomorrow but also stands as a meaningful gesture of giving back to those who have served in the United States military.
In the summer of 2023, Florida native and Mount Sinai resident Alex Breslau joined the Internal Medicine Residency Program. Subsequently, he proposed to Dr. Robert Goldszer, the senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Mount Sinai, to seek approval for designating the hospital as a training site for veterans. In doing so, the program would provide several advantages for veterans, offering extra support during their enrollment in the education program based on their service to the country.
Drawing on his own experience as a Navy veteran, Breslau emphasizes that the certification with the VA not only benefits Mount Sinai Veterans but also serves as a magnet for potential residency applicants. While the veteran himself was exploring hospitals that were already VA training sites, he still considered Mount Sinai his top choice because of its cultural diversity and wide range of pathology to learn from—all while being close to home. Once he became a resident, he seized the opportunity to initiate change.
Breslau highlights the importance of the G.I. Bill, signed in 1944 to provide a range of benefits for war veterans. Although the original bill expired in 1956, the term is still used today to describe modern programs supporting American military veterans. “The G.I. Bill is an absolutely essential tool in recruiting veterans to train at Mount Sinai,” says Breslau. “One of the strengths of Military Medicine is travel and deployment care, which has been a big advantage for me here with the diverse pathology and patient population that derives from all over the world, given how Miami is a premier destination for travelers.”
Applicants for the program undergo a standard review and selection process. Medical school graduates who are U.S. Veterans of any branch can apply to Mount Sinai’s Internal Medicine and General Surgery Residencies. If the applicant is matched through the standard residency match process, they are entitled to specific benefits established by the VA. Dr. Goldszer is enthusiastic about running the program, emphasizing that veterans make excellent future doctors and employees. While benefiting Mount Sinai, the program also contributes to the community of heroes. And, in the future, Dr. Goldszer aims to expand this program to other residencies, hoping to attract more veterans to apply and become part of the Mount Sinai team.
“There’s resilience required to be in the armed services, whichever one you’re in,” he adds. “It’s difficult. It’s not easy. If you’ve served and are honorably discharged, we can then give back to you through medical education and the benefits provided by the Veterans Administration.”
As the program takes off, Breslau reflects on his experience thus far, expressing a sense of welcome at Mount Sinai and highlighting the collaborative and supportive nature of the working environment. He especially emphasizes the positive impact the program has made on both residents and staff.
“Personally, I have had a great experience in the Internal Medicine program,” he adds. “The teaching faculty, fellows, and residents have been wonderful and super supportive of the more junior residents and interns.”