In recognition of Veteran's Day this November Penn Medicine proudly sponsors Joining Forces - a national initiative to heighten awareness about the health needs of our nation's veterans, service members and families, and elevate the role that medical schools, nursing schools and teaching hospitals play in serving their community. Penn Medicine is hosting a reception to launch the initiative and honor their own faculty and staff as well as family members who have served in the military.
Joining Forces was established by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families during their service to our country and throughout their lives. Combat to Care, an extension of the national Joining Forces effort, is Penn Medicine's campaign to: celebrate the service of our veteran faculty and staff; train our clinicians in the unique clinical challenges of caring for military service members, veterans, and their families; and recruit veterans who have demonstrated inspiring dedication, loyalty, and strength in the service of our nation to join Penn Medicine. Combat to Care acknowledges Penn Medicine's commitment to both hiring and retaining veterans, as well as recognizing the over 160 Health System and Perelman School of Medicine employees who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces in an active duty or reserve capacity.
After this initial launch (150-plus are slated to attend the reception), the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine will continue to host activities, including career fairs and unique educational programs, throughout the year, demonstrating their continued commitment to veterans returning from duty and their families.