I am a 100% disabled veteran with 33 years of honorable military service to our nation and a Georgetown University graduate school alumnus. Since 2017, I have received exceptional medical care through the Washington DC VA Medical Center. During my nearly two-year battle with prostate cancer, the VA provided outstanding treatment, compassion, and support, and I am grateful to now be in remission. The physicians, nurses, and staff who cared for me exemplified the professionalism and dedication our veterans deserve.
Unfortunately, my recent experience with Dr. Jonah D. Murdock, Chief of Urology, was entirely different.
As Chief of Urology, Dr. Murdock is responsible not only for providing medical care but also for setting the standard for professionalism, communication, compassion, responsiveness, and accountability within the department. Veterans should expect that the leader of a specialty service will listen carefully, communicate respectfully, and ensure timely access to appropriate care. In my experience, those expectations were not met.
On June 19, 2026, I sought treatment at an urgent care center because I was experiencing severe urinary and pelvic pain. I was diagnosed with a prostate infection, prescribed antibiotics, and specifically instructed to follow up with my urologist if my symptoms failed to improve.
When the medication did not work and my pain worsened, I contacted the VA Urology Department on June 23. The nurse who answered my call was exceptional. She listened carefully, showed genuine compassion, and recognized the urgency of my condition. Although the earliest appointment was not until September, she arranged for Dr. Murdock to contact me.
When Dr. Murdock called, I felt rushed throughout the conversation. As I attempted to explain that my symptoms were worsening and that the urgent care provider had specifically recommended prompt urology follow-up, I felt I was repeatedly interrupted before I could fully explain my condition. Rather than discussing my symptoms in detail or arranging further evaluation, I was told that my primary care physician could manage the issue. A second antibiotic was prescribed, and the call ended.
Despite following the treatment exactly as directed, my condition continued to deteriorate.
On July 2, I again contacted the Urology Department because I was experiencing excruciating pain. Once again, the nursing staff demonstrated professionalism, kindness, and genuine concern. They contacted Dr. Murdock and informed me he would return my call.
I did not receive that return call until July 6. By that time, because I had not received timely specialty follow-up, I sought emergency medical treatment from another provider who, although not a urologist, also recommended prompt evaluation by a urology specialist.
During my July 6 conversation with Dr. Murdock, and again he spoke over me before I could fully explain my worsening condition. I expressed that veterans deserve empathy, respectful communication, and timely specialty care, especially when experiencing severe pain. I also stated that I expected those qualities from the Chief of Urology. The conversation concluded without a meaningful discussion of my symptoms or a plan for specialty evaluation.
I understand that physicians have demanding responsibilities. However, leadership carries additional obligations. The Chief of Urology should model the professionalism, compassion, communication, and patient advocacy expected throughout the department. In my experience, those leadership qualities were not demonstrated.
This complaint is not intended to diminish the outstanding work of the many exceptional physicians, nurses, and employees who have cared for me throughout my years at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Rather, I hope my experience will prompt a review of communication, responsiveness, and leadership practices within the Urology Department.
Every veteran deserves to be heard, treated with dignity and respect, and provided timely specialty care when facing serious medical concerns. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed so that improvements can be made for both my care and the care of other veterans who rely on the Washington DC VA Medical Center. read more