About VEA Health
VEA Health is a physician-led, privately owned healthcare services organization providing Emergency Medicine and Hospitalist services to hospitals across Texas. For more than two decades, we have partnered with hospitals of all sizes—delivering reliable clinical coverage, operational stability, and patient-centered care rooted in integrity and service.
Our Story
VEA Health is a privately owned, physician-led organization providing Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine services to hospitals ranging from rural community facilities to large health systems.
For nearly 25 years, our leadership has prioritized clinical excellence, operational accountability, and long-term hospital partnerships—without outside ownership or competing interests.
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After providing medical care throughout South America and spending eight years practicing emergency medicine in rural Hawaii, Dr. Jim Brand founded VEA Health in 2002 through a partnership with a rural healthcare system in South Texas.
Inspired by his work in underserved and remote communities, Dr. Brand built the organization on a simple mission: to deliver exceptional emergency medical care with kindness, compassion, and respect for both patients and clinicians.
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Over the past two decades, VEA Health has grown organically through direct referrals from hospital partners, clinicians, and healthcare leaders who share our values and commitment to high-quality care.
What began as a rural-focused practice now includes partnerships with both rural hospitals and large health systems across Texas, including some of the largest emergency departments in San Antonio through collaborations with HCA Methodist. Today, VEA Health delivers physician-led Emergency Medicine and Hospitalist services supported by experienced clinical and operational leadership.
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As a privately owned, physician-led organization, VEA Health continues to evolve—embracing innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable care models that support hospitals, clinicians, and communities alike.
We are actively seeking to partner with hospitals and health systems across Texas that align with our mission and values, expanding thoughtfully while remaining true to the principles that have guided us since 2002. The future of VEA Health is one of purposeful growth, trusted partnerships, and continued service.
Our Mission
✓ To treat our patients and their families with kindness and expertise.
✓ To be the provider of choice and a trusted partner for healthcare systems.
✓ To be an exemplary organization that provides reliable support to our providers, staff, and their families.
Our Vision
To alleviate suffering by providing expert medical care with kindness and compassion.
Physician-Owned. Clinician-Led.
VEA Health is privately and independently owned by physicians, with no outside ownership or private equity involvement. This structure allows us to prioritize long-term partnerships, clinical autonomy, and patient-centered care over short-term financial pressures.
Our leadership team remains actively engaged in both clinical practice and operational decision-making, ensuring alignment from the bedside to hospital leadership.
Hospitals. Leadership. Partnership.
How We Partner with Hospitals
Align Staffing Solutions
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Align staffing models with hospital needs
Support Quality Initiatives
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Enhance quality, safety, and performance
Provide Physician Leadership
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Deliver responsive, physician-led oversight
Ensure Stability & Continuity
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Maintain consistent, long-term coverage
Commitment to Quality & Community
Rooted in rural healthcare, VEA Health remains committed to serving diverse Texas communities—from small hospitals to major urban systems—while maintaining consistent standards of care.
We emphasize:
✓ Clinical quality and patient safety
✓ Responsible, sustainable growth
✓ Long-term stewardship of hospital relationships
✓ Community-centered care delivery
Meet the Team
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Jim Brand, MD – Founder / Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Jim Brand serves as CEO of VEA Health, bringing decades of leadership in emergency medicine and healthcare operations. He previously led VEA Health for nearly 25 years as President. He has held numerous leadership roles at DeTar Healthcare System, including Chairman of Emergency Medicine and Chief of Staff. Dr. Brand has dedicated his career to building high-performing clinical teams and advancing patient care across Texas.
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Andrew Jatskiv, MD - Chief of Hospital Medicine
Dr. Andrew Jatskiv is Chief of Hospital Medicine at VEA Health, leading hospitalist operations and clinical performance initiatives. He also serves as Vice Chief of Staff and Medical Director at Connally Memorial Medical Center. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and earned his medical degree from Poznan University of Medical Sciences. An active member of the American College of Physicians, he is known for collaborative leadership and a focus on patient outcomes and care coordination.
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Bryan M. Dunn, MD, FACEP – President
Dr. Bryan Dunn serves as President of VEA Health, leading clinical operations and physician engagement. He previously held roles as Regional Medical Director and Medical Director across multiple emergency departments. With decades of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Dunn has also led urgent care organizations and served in key leadership roles within state and national emergency medicine associations.
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Daniel G. Kirkpatrick, MHA, FACHE – CFO / Vice Chairman
Dan Kirkpatrick oversees operations and financial strategy at VEA Health, focusing on performance improvement, payer relationships, and revenue cycle management. With over 40 years of healthcare consulting and executive leadership experience, he has helped physician groups and hospitals enhance profitability and operational efficiency. Dan is also a published author and founder of multiple healthcare-focused ventures.
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Wes Burns - Vice President of Finance
Wes Burns, Vice President of Finance at VEA Health, brings expertise in financial operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth. He oversees the company's financial performance and supports initiatives that drive operational efficiency, long-term sustainability, and continued expansion.
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Lee Fernandez, R.N., B.S.N - Director of Performance Improvement
Lee Fernandez is a Registered Nurse with 25+ years of experience in emergency care, trauma, ICU, and flight medicine. He also brings over a decade of leadership in operations and emergency care administration. At VEA Health, he leads performance improvement initiatives to enhance clinical quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes, supporting strong hospital partnerships and sustainable growth.
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Juan Carlo "JC" Carvajal - Vice President of Operations
JC Carvajal brings more than 20 years of experience in business operations, project management, scientific research, and organizational leadership. He has co-founded and managed companies in biotechnology, marketing, and advertising, leading multidisciplinary teams and complex initiatives from planning through execution. JC holds four undergraduate degrees from The University of Texas and his broad professional background supports a practical, analytical approach to improving operations, developing teams, and helping organizations grow.