Veterans Health Administration
VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network is one of 21 Healthcare Networks operated nationwide by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We are comprised of eight health care system and 80 community clinics serving over 1.5 million veterans in Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California.
300 Oceangate
Suite 700
Long Beach
CA
90802
562-826-5963
VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network is one of 21 Healthcare Networks operated nationwide by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We are comprised of eight health care system and 80 community clinics serving over 1.5 million veterans in Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California.
300 Oceangate
Suite 700
Long Beach
CA
90802
562-826-5963
Find a VISN 22 Medical Center or Clinic near you. Click on the location below to learn more about each healthcare system, including its outpatient clinics.
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (Tucson , Arizona)
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (Los Angeles , California)
New Mexico VA Health Care System (Albuquerque , New Mexico)
Phoenix VA Health Care System (Phoenix , Arizona)
Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (Prescott , Arizona)
VA San Diego Healthcare System (San Diego , California)
VA Long Beach Healthcare System (Long Beach , California)
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (Loma Linda , California)
VA San Diego Reaches Veteran Housing Milestone
The VA Supportive Housing (VASH) program focuses on finding housing for homeless Veterans. VASH just reached a milestone steady-state of housing 2,000 Veterans with housing vouchers at one time.
There’s a Lot That Goes into Making the Sausage at a VA Hospital
Diet planning at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center is a big job, with over 2,000 meals a day going to the medical center, the Domiciliary and the Community Living Center, as well as the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Community Living Center.
Purple Heart Recipient, World War II Veteran Receives Healthcare at VA Loma Linda
William Ahlborn was living on his parents’ farm near Riverside, California when he was drafted into the Army in 1943. He was only 18 years old.
Ramon Balanga, retired Navy Veteran established service connection under the PACT Act with support from VA and the Veterans Legal Institute (VLI). Now he’s seeking to help his brothers in service do the same.
Kayenta VA Clinic Now Providing 5-Day-A-Week Primary Care Services
The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is officially providing face-to-face primary care services at its rural health clinic located in Kayenta.
Phoenix VA Holds 18th Annual Creative Arts Festival
he Phoenix VA Health Care System hosted the 18th annual Creative Arts Festival at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center on June 27. This festival featured original artwork created by Veterans, including fine arts, applied arts, creative writing, and music.
Veteran Champion Buzz Hickox Soars as Top Peer Support Specialist
Robert “Buzz” Hickox, a dedicated Peer Support Specialist at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS), has been named the VISN 22 Peer Support Specialist (PSS) of the Year.
Walkin’ and a Rollin’ 2023-VA2K
The thirteenth annual VA2k took place on May 17, 2023, at USS Bullhead Park under partly cloudy skies with perfect springtime temps, making this the ideal outdoor event of the year.
VA Health Connect is VA’s virtual health care service that makes it easier for you to get the right care, right now. With VA Health Connect, you can ask questions, get information and even be seen virtually by a VA health care provider:
VISN 22 Tele Emergency Care (formerly Tele Urgent Care) uses VA Video Connect (VVC) to conduct appointments privately and securely in a virtual medical room from anywhere using the camera on your smart phone, computer, or tablet.
If you have a non-urgent health care question, you can use VA Health Chat to quickly connect with a VISN 22 Clinical Contact Center nurse.
You can also schedule your next VA appointment quickly and easily using the VA Health Chat app!
Use VA Health Chat for fast answers when you need to:
Download the VA Health Chat app and learn more.
With VA health care, you’re covered for regular checkups with your primary care provider and appointments with specialists (like cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers). You can access Veterans health care services like home health and geriatric (elder) care, and you can get medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you’ve earned.
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life, and feel free to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too.
The VA Resource Navigator is a resource tool to assist Veterans in finding and using VA resources. The VA Resource Navigator will guide Veterans to popular and frequently sought-after VA tools and resources. The Navigator provides web links, phone numbers, QR codes to VA resources, and other useful information.
Taking an active role results in better health. And now you never have to wait for an answer to your health care questions. The Veterans Health Library gives you instant access to thousands of VA-approved health information articles including:
All of the information in the Veterans Health Library is created to follow the VA’s high standards of patient care. Everything is written and designed specifically for Veterans in a way that is easy to understand so you will have the information you need to understand a diagnosis, make treatment decisions, and manage your health on an ongoing basis.
The My HealtheVet site provides veterans and their families excellent, reliable patient education information as well as the latest VA News. Information about veterans benefits and services is also available. Upon registering with My HealtheVet, you will be able to:
NOTE: Some features require in-person authentication. You may request your In-Person Authentication through your local Release of Information Office.
Health Information Card
An emergency health information card helps first responders know important medical and contact information if they find you unconscious, incoherent or if they need to quickly help you evacuate. Your emergency health information card should include information about any disabilities, medications, equipment you use, allergies, communication difficulties you may have, preferred treatment and medical providers, and emergency contacts.
Print this emergency health information card and complete it with a permanent ink pen. Make multiple copies of the card to keep in your emergency supply kit, car, wallet or purse, or wheelchair pack.
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
We are available to assist local media in answering questions about the health care system, locating an expert or obtaining more information about the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans benefits help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more.
If you have a compliment, complaint, or other issue which you believe requires resolution, please contact your VISN 22 facility patient advocate.
Network Director
Steven E. Braverman, M.D. was appointed as Network Director (ND) on February 25, 2024 after 9-months as the Interim ND. He served as the Medical Center Director of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System September 2019-April 2023 and Hospital Director of the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital 2016-2019. Dr. Braverman retired from the Army on October 31, 2016 after 29 years of service in the Army Medical Corps as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician. He last served as Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation for the Office of the Surgeon General (OTSG). Healthcare leadership assignments include: Commander (CDR), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; CDR, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX; CDR, Ireland Army Community Hospital, Ft. Knox, KY; and Deputy CDR for Clinical Services, Moncrief Army Community Hospital, Fort Jackson, SC. Healthcare staff positions include Medical Corps Deputy Corps Chief; Chief of the Clinical Services Division, US Army Medical Command; Deputy Director of Health Policy and Services, OTSG; PM&R and Chief Consultant to OTSG; Command Surgeon, National Defense University; He deployed to Iraq as the Multi-National Corps–Iraq Deputy Surgeon for Clinical Operations in 2008-2009. Dr. Braverman is Board Certified by the American Board of PM&R and served as an examiner for their oral board certification exam. He has served on the Boards of Directors of the Association of Academic Physiatrists, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and the American Board of Medical Acupuncture. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal. He is a recipient of the “A” designator award for professional expertise, the Order of Military Medical Merit, and the General Claire L. Chennault Award for teaching excellence.
CAREER CHRONOLOGY: 2023 – Present Network Director, VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network 2019 – 2023 Director, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 2016 – 2019 Director, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 2015 – 2016 Director, Program Analysis and Evaluation Office of the Surgeon General (OTSG) 2013 – 2015 Commander (Chief Executive Officer), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research 2011 – 2013 Deputy Corps Chief (Chief Operating Officer), US Army Medical Corps 2009 – 2011 Commander (CEO), Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX EDUCATION 2005 Masters of National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington, DC 1988 – 1991 Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, DC 1987 – 1988 Transitional Internship, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA 1987 Doctor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 1983 Bachelors of Arts, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Network Director
Deputy Network Director
Mr. Bryan E. Arnette, FACHE was appointed Deputy Network Director for the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network effective March 2022. In this capacity, he has responsibility for executing the network’s $9 Billion budget across eight healthcare systems in Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California. He leads the Network’s healthcare operations including oversight of Capital Assets, Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Prosthetics, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Preparedness. With a team of more than 30,000 staff, the Network serves more than 1.5 million eligible Veterans throughout the region. In addition to previously leading VA-wide integration efforts as Acting Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Enterprise Integration, Mr. Arnette has extensive experience as a healthcare executive. He has led healthcare systems in several leadership capacities to include Interim Medical Center Director and CEO for Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System in Prescott, AZ, Interim Medical Center Director and CEO for VA Loma Linda Healthcare System in Loma Linda, CA, and Deputy Healthcare System Director for VA Long Beach Healthcare System where he led the organization’s lean transformation. He is an experienced healthcare quality professional having served as Chief Quality Officer at VA Palo Alto Healthcare System where he led the organization’s Office of Quality, Safety, and Value which included Quality & Patient Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Experience, Process Improvement, and the Office of Education. Mr. Arnette holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration and Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. He is a Change Management Practitioner, a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a member of the National Association of Health Services Executives.
Deputy Network Director
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Ayyasamy Panneer Selvam was appointed as the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network (VISN 22) Chief Medical Officer effective August 28, 2023. Prior to joining VISN 22, Dr. Ayyasamy Panneer Selvam, MD was the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for VA Heartland Network (VISN 15), a position he has held from April 2021 to August 2023. Prior to VISN 15 CMO, he served as the Chief of Staff at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, Prescott, AZ. Dr. Selvam earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Stanley Medical College, Madras, India and a Doctor of Medicine from the Madras Medical College, Madras, India. He completed residency program in Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1997. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He has over 25 years’ experience in clinical practice, clinical administration and teaching. Dr. Selvam has held leadership positions in the VA with extensive expertise at multiple levels of the organization including at the section, service chief, facility Executive Leadership and VISN Senior Executive Leadership level. He is a 2007 graduate of the VA Health Care Leadership Institute (HCLI). He then served as a coach for HCLI and as a mentor for Executive Career Field (ECF) candidates. Dr. Selvam has received many awards in his career to include: Distinguished Service Award from the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Arizona Chapter; Staff Physician of the Year at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO; outstanding teaching awards including Excellence in Clinical Education and Student Teaching Award for Outstanding Clerkship Attending Physician, University of Missouri-Columbia.
Chief Medical Officer
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Elizabeth Aubry was appointed as the VISN 22 Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) effective May 19, 2024. In her role, Dr. Aubry will oversee our Primary Care, Clinical Resource Hub, Specialty Care, Tele-Emergency Care, Telehealth services, Rehab & Extended Care and Women’s Health services. Dr. Elizabeth Aubry was previously the Chief of Staff for the VA Long Beach Healthcare System since November 2017 and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Aubry obtained her BS in Biology from University of California Irvine and then graduated from University of Toledo Medical School in 2006. She began her medical career with the VA in 2009 after completing a residency in internal medicine while at University of Cincinnati. Dr. Aubry began working in Primary Care at the Cincinnati VA after completion of her residency and was full time in Primary Care from 8/2009-9/2014. She was also an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. Dr. Aubry transferred to the Long Beach VA in September 2014 and became a Section Chief for Primary Care in July 2015. Since her transfer to Long Beach, she served as a PACT champion and as an associate professor for UCI Internal Medicine residency program. She has special interests in patient-centered care and process improvement.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Acting Chief Nurse Officer
Dr. Marla Weiss was appointed as the VISN 22 Acting Chief Nurse Officer effective April 22, 2024. In her role, Dr. Weiss oversees the Clinical Call Center, Clinical Resource Hub, Caregiver Support Program, Geriatrics and Extended Care, Mental Health, Community Care, Patient Bed Flow and Care Coordination, Sterile Processing Services, Social Work Services, and Health Promotion Disease Prevention. Dr. Weiss began her career with VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) in 2005 as a Nurse Practitioner. Over the course of her nineteen years serving across VISN 22, she has served in leadership roles directing organized nursing practice, and executive management programs and operations as Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services and Acting Associate Director for Patient Care Services including-VA Long Beach Healthcare System, VA Greater Los Angeles, and most recently San Diego VA Healthcare System. These experiences have fostered a passion in patient-centered care, a culture of patient safety, and continuous process improvement to build a High-Reliability Organization. Dr. Weiss has an outstanding academic background that includes a Bachelor’s degree in Science Nursing from the California State University, Fullerton (2001), a Master of Science in Nursing from the Nurse Practitioner Program of the University of California at Los Angeles (2003), and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of San Diego, California (2013). Dr. Weiss has countless hands-on clinical and healthcare systems experience that allows to continuously serve as an advocate for Veterans and the Mission of improving access, and patient care outcomes.
Acting Chief Nurse Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. Responsible for the full range of financial management services for a major VA Medical Center. Served as a Senior Accountant responsible for major functions of the accounting program for the Veterans Health Administration’s VISN 22 Network of Medical Centers. School Director of a Marine Corps Formal School leading 132 faculty graduating 600 students annually with a focus on academic, technical, and personal excellence. Seven years experience leading organizations of up to 300 employees with operating budgets up to $600K and over $18 million in assets and facilities. Experienced financial analyst who developed the programming and budgeting (Program Objective Memorandum) for the annual $10-12 billion Marine Corps manpower account (60% of budget) in accordance with Defense Department Financial Management Regulations. Thorough knowledge of and experience with the Planning, Programming, and Budgeting Execution System (PPBES). Trained in Continuous Process Improvement (Lean Six Sigma). Licensed CPA.
Chief Financial Officer
Organizational Excellence Director/Designated Learning Officer
Quality Management Officer
Human Resources Officer
When you can't see a VA health care provider in person, here are some ways to connect to VA virtually — by text, chat, secure messaging, online, over the phone, and using apps. Explore each option and decide which is best for you.
