IRON MOUNTAIN — Two interns in psychology completed their doctoral degrees at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.

Pilar Gauthier and Benjamin Hanks began their one-year internships in Iron Mountain in July 2023 and graduated July 12.

The Iron Mountain-based VA medical center is accredited with the American Psychological Association for its doctoral internship in psychology program and is the only accredited doctoral psychology internship program in Upper Michigan.

The internship and final dissertation represent the final requirements to earn a doctoral degree in professional psychology.

“We strive to develop future VA psychologists by training them within the VA setting and with our Veteran population.” said Brenda Reed, OGJVAMC Psychology Training director. “We are excited to have Benjamin return to Iron Mountain VA as a graduate psychologist, and we wish Pilar well in her endeavors in research and clinical practice.”

The Veterans Health Administration places a high priority on the education of future professionals, and the OGJVAMC is a regional leader in training student pursuing careers in the medical and mental health professions.