Resources for Employees

Several programs are offered as part of VCEP. To take advantage of these resources or learn more, please contact Paula Crawford-Gamble by emailing Paula.Crawford-Gamble@pennmedicine.upenn.edu  or calling 215-804-6362.

Veterans Care Concierge Program

The goal of the Veterans Care Concierge Service is to provide veterans with support and convenient access to the services that Penn Medicine offers for their employees.

Services include:

  • A dedicated concierge liaison
  • Assistance understanding and accessing VA benefits
  • Help identifying educational and career development opportunities
  • Connections with fellow veteran Penn Medicine colleagues
  • Assistance in scheduling healthcare appointments

Penn Platoon

The Penn Platoon is a networking group that helps veterans meet former and current service members across the organization to foster a sense of comradery. The platoon plans social events and supports the charity work of its members.

Penn Medicine Platoon members have supported and participated in several events and outreach efforts:

  • Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run
  • Wreaths Across America
  • Veterans Day Round Table Event
  • USO Gala

Penn Veterans Collaborative

An extension of the Penn Platoon, the Penn Veterans Collaborative encompasses representatives from across the entire Penn organization to expand and enhance camaraderie amongst veterans. The Penn Veterans Collaborative organizes employee programing throughout the year, including the annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebrations.

VA Resources and Support

VCEP serves as a bridge to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), offering a warm handoff to help those who have served understand and navigate the wide range of benefits and services available through the VA and beyond. Whether seeking help with applying for benefits, enrolling in health services, or exploring education, housing, or financial support, VCEP can assess individual needs and connect veterans to trusted resources.

Common areas where VCEP offers support or referrals include:

  • Navigating VA benefits: Assistance with applying for disability compensation, pensions, and VA health care
  • Education and training: Support with accessing the GI Bill®, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), and scholarships
  • Financial assistance: Guidance on VA debt relief programs, housing grants, and financial counseling
  • Transitional support: Referrals to mental health care, employment services, and housing assistance
  • Community resources: Connections to local veteran service organizations, peer networks, and wellness programs

Helpful VA links:

Read about the Lancaster General Health VA Liaison Program and the Penn Medicine at Home Veterans Outreach Project

Veteran Employee Resource Group (ERG)

The Veteran Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a Penn Medicine initiative dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that empowers veteran employees. The group offers veterans on staff an opportunity to connect and share experiences, and to find support in their careers at Penn Medicine through virtual meetings and other activities.

Interested employee veterans may contact Shawn Clark, Regional Director, Ambulatory & Corporate Talent Acquisition, at shawn.clark@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Combat to Care

Combat to Care is Penn Medicine's veteran recruitment initiative. The goal is to strengthen the Penn Medicine workforce by recruiting unusually qualified leaders who have demonstrated inspiring dedication, loyalty, and strength in the service of our nation. If you are a United States veteran seeking a new mission in an organization that values service to others above all else, ask yourself, why not you?

Explore open positions. Please note, for current UPHS employees, apply here.

Wellthy

Wellthy is a health care concierge service which University of Pennsylvania Health System benefit-eligible employees and their families can use to tackle the logistical and administrative tasks of caring for loved ones across a spectrum of care needs, including veteran care, aging, special needs, childcare, mental health, and more.
Click here to learn more about Wellthy