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In a first-time show of collaboration and dedication, 196 Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) medical residents gathered on June 25, 2024, to participate in a swearing-in ceremony

before commencing rotations at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS). The swearing-in ceremony, or Oath of Office, is a constitutional oath that rededicates the commitment of these

new residents to support the U.S. Constitution and faithfully execute their duties. Similar to the Hippocratic Oath, these new residents swear to dedicate themselves to supporting the

Veterans of TVHS.  Speaking at the ceremony, TVHS Executive Director Daniel Dücker emphasized the importance of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence.   > “An Oath of 

Office is a commitment to serve. So, as you walk > across the Vanderbilt bridge to VA, you become a federal > employee,” Dücker said. “We are entrusted with Veterans care, > and we 

are excited to have you a part of that care.”   The ceremony, which aimed to foster a greater sense of responsibility and dedication among the medical residents, is a significant step toward

acknowledging the quality of care provided to Veterans at TVHS and connecting with VUMC residents. With 226 total residents scheduled to begin their rotations at TVHS in the coming month,

the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in their medical careers.  Although there were a significant number of residents joining TVHS, the event stood as a reminder of the continued

need for more medical professionals to care for more than 141,000 Veterans enrolled in TVHS.   “This event was a first-of-its-kind. But hopefully, it will lead to more swear-ins with

Vanderbilt, highlight to other universities with affiliate agreements with [VA], and showcase the need for physicians,” said TVHS Physician Recruiter Jason Procaccino.   The partnership

between Vanderbilt University and other universities plays a crucial role in improving the care that TVHS provides for Veterans.  “I hope you see the opportunity, to not just focus on the

physician side, but the relationships too. The staff we have are committed to the Veterans and each other," Dücker said.  Some residents, like internal medicine resident Stefan

Grozlekov, have previously worked with other VA medical centers during their education. For Grozlekov, another chance to work with VA is a great opportunity to provide meaningful impact on

the health care outcomes of the Veteran community.  > “Being a part of the VA has been an incredible experience, not > only because you get to work for Veterans who have sacrificed but

> also because you get to hear their stories,” Grozlekov said. > “For me, that’s been an extremely fulfilling experience. And I > hope that I can continue that in my future 

career.”  As the medical residents begin their rotations at TVHS, they carry with them the oath they took to uphold the highest standards of care to prioritize the well-being of the Veterans

they serve.   > “We’ve had swear-ins for the VA, but not like this where > everyone was all at once,” Grozlekov said. “I do think it’s a > monumental experience that brings 

everyone together and aligns us to > the common goal of working at VA and helping Veterans.”