Maryland VA Health Care System: Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, Peer Specialist

Today, we welcome Dr. Paula Smith-Benson, a peer specialist for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health Clinical Center, VA Maryland Health Care System.  Dr. Smith Benson is a retired US Air Force officer and combat veteran who will share her unique experience as a Clinical Nurse while deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom/ Iraqi Freedom caring for wounded in battle.  She’ll explain how unrecognized PTSD symptoms affected her transition from active duty and how she turned her life around as a peer specialist helping veterans with mental health and substance misuse disorders.