Guam Vet Center director resigns, Moylan seeks answers from VA secretary

The recent "sudden" resignation of the director of the Guam Vet Center, Edward "Doc" Santos, has prompted a letter of concern from Del. James Moylan to Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Dennis McDonough.

In an Oct. 16 letter, Moylan wrote that over the past 13 years, "Doc Santos established himself as an integral part of the veterans' medical care under his clinical charge."

"So, when our veterans who once were clinically assigned to him, found out he suddenly resigned without proper patient offloading, they were dismayed," Moylan stated in his letter.

Moylan said he wanted to know why Santos resigned and "if this was done in lieu of termination."

An employee who answered the phone Wednesday at the Guam Vet Center office in Maite told the Pacific Daily News that Santos no longer worked there, and that he could not discuss the issue any further.

He referred questions to Terilynn Francisco, a counselor who the employee said now heads the office.

The PDN was not able to reach Francisco as of late Wednesday afternoon.

According to its website, the Guam Vet Center offers confidential help for veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. The services include counseling for depression, post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma.

Moylan said patients were not given proper notice of their care being transferred to another clinician and "they are concerned about their future treatment regimens and clinical outcomes." The delegate requested that McDonough "provide any insights on the matter....within seven working days."

Moylan also asked about the "VA's plan of action and milestones to ensure this sort of matter will not result in a lapse in care, should a future matter like this one, were to occur."