Community Heroes: Dr. Krozser-Hamati passionate about treating local veterans
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Dr. Agnes Krozser-Hamati works with veterans at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. She not only treats patients diagnosed with cancer, she is inspired by their heroism and dedication to our country.
Growing up in Hungary, Dr. Krozser-Hamati experienced conflict. Fast forward to the 1980’s when she had a residency at the VA in Johnson City, and she never left.
“I do think about it,” she said. “I grew up under very humble circumstances. There was a great need for food and it was constant war, one after another. And as a child, I didn’t know any different, but I was very aware of the stories I heard from my mother and my grandparents and also their how grateful they were for the people who were fighting to get us free and finally to end occupation.”
She said one thing that kept her in the Tri-Cities after school was the patients.
“One of the greatest trusts you have. Oh, I think they sense that it’s a very caring environment. Very empathetic. They go out of their way and great stories, sometimes tragic stories. Which makes you want to even do a better job for them.”
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Her job as an oncologist is to work with a team at Mountain Home to treat military veterans who have gotten a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Krozser-Hamati said it’s the very least they can do for those who risked their lives for our country. It’s a job she takes to heart.
“Anyway, I get very emotional because, um, it’s probably patient’s hardest time in life. And they have to learn to trust us. And actually believe that we have their best interest in mind. So, and when it comes to the end, we won’t desert them so that’s a gift.”
Dr. Krozser-Hamati and the team know each patient is proud to have served and are grateful for the treatment they receive.
“They are proud of having given, and want to be respected for that; most of them would do it again a million times and relate their experience with such great pride and want to make sure that our freedoms continue, that what they fought for was worth it. And when they come here, they express, they feel that they’re being given something.”
Treating these patients who gave so much reminds Dr. Krozser-Hamati of her upbringing in Hungary and how far she, and they, have come.
“They have a heart. And, you know, if you’ve never experienced anything different, you don’t know how lucky we are here, how very fortunate. And I was able to become whatever I wanted, and I may have never had that opportunity before. And these men and women who did that, you know, we enjoy so many wonderful things [because of veterans].”
More information about the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center can be found at VA.gov/mountain-home-health-care.
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