COLUMBIA, S.C. — For the past three months, the Dorn VA Medical Center on Garners Ferry has had another new interim medical center director.
Since June of last year, this hospital's existing medical director, David Omura, has been on a temporary detail in another part of the VA System.
At that time we reported that John Merkle took over as interim director for 120 days.
Now, another face, Rebecca Strini, is nearing the end of the VA's typical 120-day assignment period. Strini said her temporary detail could be up in about a month.
"So I was contacted by the network director, Dr. Walker, and he shared with me that there was a need and an opening here and wondered if I was interested in the opportunity," Strini, acting director said.
Back on November 6, 2023 is when Strini explains she started in Columbia, coming from a VA medical center in Mississippi.
She tells News 19 she has specific training and certification in process and quality improvement.
During her time at the Dorn VA Medical Center, she said folks have voiced compliments but also concerns.
"We can always work to improve staff satisfaction, veteran satisfaction, their experience, communication, you think that you communicate the best you can and there's always opportunities for growth and improvement," Strini said.
Strini explains she's honored to be in this role, even though it is temporary.
"I love what our country stands for and I love the mission of the VA. It's really my opportunity to serve our country," Strini said.
According to this acting director here at the Dorn VA Medical Center, she's unsure if she'll be extending her stay here. VA officials tell News 19 it's a decision that has not been made yet.
VA officials also add that Mr. Omura remains on detail until further notice and that they don't have any details to share about his assignment.
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