Columbus VA Endocrinology Fosters Veteran Wellness

Focusing on the endocrine system, which controls hormones in the body, Columbus VA endocrinologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including disorders of the adrenal, pituitary, para-thyroid and thyroid glands, diabetes, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis among others.

Currently one of the most common diagnoses among Veteran patients here is diabetes mellitus, with approximately 20-25% suffering from this condition. Using a state-of-the-art insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring systems, the endocrinology team provides the most advanced, and evidence-based, therapies to help Veterans control their diabetes and prevent complications.

“The endocrinology clinic spearheaded the group clinics, thyroid biopsy and pump clinics,” said Dr. Edith de los Santos, MD, staff endocrinologist. “We kept up with the times and we made it possible to get the newest technologies in pumps and continuous glucose monitoring in our Veterans.”

The team also has a dedicated nurse educator who assists Veterans in self-management of their conditions through use of both these devices.

Part of the specialty medicine department, the endocrinology team recently complemented its traditional services with two new clinics. Columbus VA PRIDE and Weight Management Clinics now can address unique and growing needs among central Ohio’s Veteran population through a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach.  

PRIDE Clinic opened in October 2021 with a dedicated staff of social workers, physicians, and psychologists uniquely qualified to care for transgender Veterans. The clinic provides complete physical and psychological evaluations and hormonal treatments and has a social worker on staff to work with patients, providing them access to resources both in the VA and in the community.

While nationally VA is moving toward providing gender-affirming surgeries in the future, the Columbus VA currently only can provide services for pre- and post-operative needs for Veterans on site or through community resources.

The Weight Management Clinic started as a resource to provide medical treatment for Veterans suffering with obesity and obesity-related diseases. Current statistics show almost 80% of Veterans experience some level of obesity.

So, the clinic stands ready to assist Veterans through a collaborative approach to wellness. Endocrinologists manage medical treatment, a psychologist and dietician address mental health and nutrition, and physical therapy focuses on exercise and fitness.

The clinic also provides referrals for bariatric surgery through community resources and management of post-operative conditions.

To connect with Endocrinology Services at the Columbus VA, call 614-257-5200 or go to https://www.va.gov/central-ohio-health-care/locations/chalmers-p-wylie-veterans-outpatient-clinic/.