AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The VA of Augusta held a hiring fair Saturday to recruit health care workers as part of efforts to improve veteran care.

Leaders said staffing has improved over the last two years, with the vacancy rate now down to 12%.

The hiring fair comes as medical students are graduating and the VA of Augusta works to rebuild trust and its workforce.

“So we want to afford them an opportunity to join our team, you know, as they enhance or start their new, embark on their new careers,” said James Doelling, interim executive director at VA Augusta Healthcare System. “But we’re also looking for seasoned people, somebody that’s looking for a change. And to me, be part of the most noble mission there is, caring for our nation’s heroes. Those people that have served us, it’s time for them to be served and get the best care anywhere.”

The Augusta VA has a four-star rating from Medicare.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Ten graduating student-athletes from the CSRA have been awarded GAMES Scholarships.

The recipients were selected by the GAMES Scholarship Committee from a pool of nominated senior student-athletes representing Richmond, Columbia, Burke, McDuffie, Wilkes, Warren, Aiken and Edgefield counties.

Winners were chosen based on academic achievement, athletic performance, leadership and community involvement.

Each of the 10 honorees will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their college education.

2026 GAMES Scholarship Recipients

The Augusta Sports Council Board of Directors announced the following 10 recipients of the annual Augusta Sports Council GAMES Scholarship Program:

• Charlie Bower — Lakeside High School
• Charles Fields — Academy of Richmond County
• Kaitlyn Henson — Academy of Richmond County
• Matthew Hood — Edmund Burke Academy
• Lucas Johnson — Westminster Schools of Augusta
• Colette Kriegel — Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
• Meredith Phipps — Evans High School
• Alissa Claire Rhodes — Fox Creek High School
• Sophia Smits — Augusta Christian Schools
• Hudson Villemain — Greenbrier High School

Augusta Sports Council has reached more than $108,000 in college scholarships awarded to 98 students since the program began in 2011.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After leadership upheaval and Office of Inspector General investigations that flagged staffing shortages and a workplace where some employees feared retaliation, VA Augusta says it is rebuilding trust and rebuilding its workforce.

VA Augusta has spent the past year under scrutiny. Inside the dental clinic, Dr. Nicole Boudau found the residency offers volume and hands-on experience.

“Our lab guy is amazing. His name’s Rico. He really does so much for us. And he teaches us a lot, too. He’s very hands-on with us,” Boudau said.

The Lakeside graduate came to VA Augusta immediately after finishing dental school in Augusta.

“One of the best things that it offers is you don’t have to sell treatment. You actually get to treat the patient to the best you can, and they can make their own choices,” Boudau said.

Workforce improvements

Boudau said in private practice, care can get boxed in by coverage and cost. At VA Augusta, residents see more cases, do more procedures, and sharpen skills faster.

Interim Director James Doelling said the progress is showing up in the numbers. Employee vacancy rates are down from about 20% to 12%, and more staff now feel safe speaking up.

“You have satisfaction. You have psychological safety. We’re not robots. Humans aren’t robots. So if you’re happy, you’re going to do a better job,” Doelling said.

The improvements reflect in Medicare’s most recent rating for the Augusta VA, from two stars in 2024 to three stars last year to four stars this year.

“It’s amazing. It’s an honor. It taught me so much about me as a dentist,” Boudau said.

Boudau is staying in Augusta and moving into private practice. Doelling said the facility’s push continues.

VA Augusta’s job fair is Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uptown Campus Auditorium, Room 3B-111. The VA is hiring physicians, RNs, LPNs, CRNAs, medical supply and surgical techs, dietitians, and radiology techs. Many clinical positions come with bonuses and incentives.