Legion recognizes Minneapolis VA doctor and nurse practitioner

The American Legion presented its VA Physician and Healthcare Provider of the Year awards during its annual Washington Conference.

Dr. Karen Armbrust and nurse practitioner Amy Stanwood of the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System were honored by The American Legion for their excellent care to veterans.

The American Legion VA Physician and Healthcare Provider of the Year awards were presented to Armbrust and Stanwood by Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Linden Dixon and VA Secretary Doug Collins during the Commander’s Call of the 66^th Washington Conference at the Washington Hilton on March 2. 

Dr. Armbrust, an ophthalmologist, was presented with The American Legion’s VA Physician-of-the Year Award. Stanwood, an endocrine nurse practitioner, was presented The American Legion’s VA Healthcare Provider of the Year Award.

The citation for both awards reads, “Your dedication to caring for our nation’s veterans illustrates your professionalism and countless hours dedicated to ensuring veterans are treated with respect while receiving exceptional healthcare.”

The VA Physician of the Year Award was established in 2017 when Dr. Tina Shaw, a White House Fellow, challenged the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission to create the annual award. While meeting the challenge, the Legion also created the VA Healthcare Provider of the Year Award.

American Legion VA Physician of the Year Dr. Karen Armbrust with VA Secretary Doug Collins and National Commander Dan K. Wiley at the Washington Conference. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen