The American Health Council has warmly welcomed Dr. Melissa Perkal as “Best in Medicine.” Working in the healthcare industry for 23 years, Dr. Perkal has become an expert in the field of Surgical Critical Care and is currently working as Surgical ICU Director, Associate Director of Surgery.

From a young age, Dr. Perkal has always enjoyed caring for people. At the age of 13, she was a girl scout and obtained First Aid Badges and Patient Care Teaching. This natural flare of compassion and empathy are what inspired Dr. Perkal to work within the healthcare industry.

Dr. Perkal went on to study for her MD at George Washington University School of Medicine, where she graduated in 1984. Furthermore, she attended Yale-New Haven Hospital where she completed both her Residency in General Surgery and her Internship.

Having worked in her current position as a Surgical ICU Director, Associate Director of Surgery at VA CT Healthcare System for 14 years, Dr. Perkal has a number of responsibilities to fulfil daily. These include oversight of the ICU and Critical Care Unit. Additionally, Dr. Perkal ensures that the operating rooms function correctly, and works full time in the Yale Department of Surgery.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established on March 15, 1989, succeeding the Veterans Administration. It is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their families. Headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the second-largest of the Cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance and burial benefits. Of the 22.2 million veterans currently alive, nearly three-quarters served during a war or an official period of conflict. About a quarter of the nation’s population is potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.

Throughout her career, Dr. Perkal has enjoyed a variety of successes, including being awarded The Yale Distributed Teaching Award by Medical Students and The Yale Surgical Society Honor. She is also honored to be the President of Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven. Dr. Perkal attributes her successful career to exceptional training as well as having extremely supportive and encouraging parents.

Dr. Perkal is a member of several professional organizations which enable her to continue to learn of advances in her field as well as expand her knowledge and understanding. These include The Association of VA Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons and The Society of Critical Care.

Professional future goals for Dr. Perkal include becoming involved in new and different programs for surgical areas. When not busy working, Dr. Perkal enjoys cooking and hiking.