Puja Van Epps, MD, faculty member of the Continuing Medical Education committee at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, will assume the role of Acting National Program Executive Director (NPED) for the HIV, Hepatitis, and Related Conditions Programs (HHRC) for the U.S. Veterans’ Health Administration.
The HHRC is a national program that provides strategic oversight, clinical guidance and policy direction for the care of veterans with HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and related conditions. It also supports Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers nationwide by:
- Developing clinical standards,
- Coordinating harm reduction initiatives, and
- Ensuring veterans have access to comprehensive, evidence-based infectious disease care.
The program also plays a key role in data monitoring, quality improvement and collaboration with federal partners to advance prevention and treatment efforts across the VA healthcare system.
In her role, Van Epps will lead a significant organizational transition as HHRC evolves into an Infectious Diseases Clinical Service Line overseeing HIV, STIs, harm reduction, long COVID and other clinical ID programs across the VA system.
This restructuring reflects VA’s commitment to strengthening and streamlining infectious disease care for veterans served, and Van Epps's leadership will be instrumental in ensuring a seamless transition and continued excellence in these critical program areas.
Van Epps will also continue to have a clinical footprint at VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS) and CWRU with patients and trainees, where she has excelled as a provider and an educator.
