Horrible experience from a-z. Today I decided enough is enough and have written the following letter to "whom it may concern" because this VA can't even list who the actual Director of this hospital maybe. It is time for all Veterans to stand up and raise our pens and write about the lack that exists in a system that exists because WE raised our hands to defend this country. Stand up Veterans, call to attention this travesty that exists and it's not due to money , no this about hiring administrative workers who expect to keep their jobs for life without working. The letter is as follows:
I'm writing with a two-fold complaint regarding the Baltimore VA Medical Center. While I had hoped for a smoother introduction to the system, my experience so far has been more bureaucratic maze than medical care -- and that's putting it gently.
First, on May 11, 2025, I called the hospital to request the names of the patient advocates. I was given two names: Curtis Berry and Nikita Berryman, along with two extensions. Unfortunately, neither extension was actually associated with the advocates -- a frustrating twist, especially when the main VA website lists extension 57099, which doesn't even allow you to leave a message. With all the talk about improving service and budget concerns, one might expect that knowing how to reach a patient advocate would be basic information. Apparently not. And in another surprising twist, the website lists Jonathan R Eckman, 410-605-7016 and the voice is clearly not a mans voice, It also lists Diane Choi, as the Associate Director for Patient Care, 410-605-7041 and the voice box hasn't been set up.
Secondly, I enrolled in the Baltimore VA earlier this year and met with a nurse on April 21, 2025. During that visit, I was given referrals to the Dermatology, Eye, and Dental Clinics. I called and left messages on April 30 for all three, and again a few days later on May 5th when I received no response. Sadly -- and I say this without exaggeration -- I wasn't even surprised when no one called me back. It's disheartening when disappointment becomes the norm.
Now, I'm not calling any more clinics. I've left my number (xxx-xxx-xxxx). If someone feels inclined to do the job they're paid to do, I'll be available. As a veteran, I understand staffing issues and cutbacks -- truly, I do. But I also understand the power of a well-placed letter. If I haven't heard back by Friday, May 23, 2025, I'll be forwarding my concerns to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., as well as to my congressional representatives, along with D O G E to help this hospital become what we as Veterans and taxpayers should expect with a hospital that serves VETERANS. Maybe they can help remind some folks in Baltimore what their job titles actually mean.
And just to top it off: the day I enrolled at the Baltimore VA, two women were sitting at the enrollment desks. Both were on their personal phones. Despite seeing two veterans standing there filling out intake forms, neither paused their conversations to acknowledge us. Eventually, one of them ended her call and called me over -- but not before I had a sinking feeling I should've taken names then and there. That moment, I'm afraid, set the tone for everything that followed.
I truly hope this letter inspires a little more accountability and a lot more communication. Thank you for your time read more