In this episode Allison Amrhein speaks with Dr. Beth Ripley, Director of the VHA 3D Printing Network and Suzanne Shirley, the Director of Fellowship and Community Engagement for the VHA Innovation Ecosystem. Together, they discuss how VHA Innovation Ecosystem leverages partnerships to serve clinicians and Veterans across the country. They also highlight how partnerships in 3D Printing and Respite Relief have provided unique resources and support to our country during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Be sure to check out the upcoming Innovation Experience (iEX) that was discussed on the pod as well. The iEX annual conference offers health care professionals from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), other government agencies, industry, and academia the opportunity to celebrate, collaborate, and promote a culture of innovation. This year, VHA iEX will showcase both employee-developed and industry-sourced innovations and practices that are sure to inform, and inspire lively discussion via the conference platform. To ensure the safety of all participants during the pandemic, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Innovation Experience (iEX) is going 100% virtual this year. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with presenters via live chat and in virtual exhibit booths.

This years speakers will include:

· Richard Stone, MD, Executive In Charge for Veterans Health Administration (VHA),

· Carolyn Clancy, MD, MACP, Deputy Under Secretary for Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks, Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

· Dean Kamen of DEKA Research and Development,

· Mark Johnson, Senior Partner, Innosight

· Toby Redshaw, SVP for Enterprise Innovation and 5G Solutions, Verizon.

Additional Links:

VHA Innovation Ecosystem Website (https://www.va.gov/innovationecosystem/)

Register for VHA Innovation Experience (https://www.va.gov/INNOVATIONECOSYSTEM/views/news-events/iEX.html