Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he picked David Shulkin to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs and become the next VA Secretary.
If Shulkin is confirmed, he will be the first non-veteran to serve as VA Secretary.
During the press conference, President-elect Trump uncharacteristically pulled out a piece of paper before making the announcement that Shulkin would lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.
He has served as the VA undersecretary since June 2015 in the Obama administration.
Shulkin has previously served as President at Morristown Medical Center, Goryeb Children’s Hospital and AtlanticRehabilitation Institute.
The VA manages a network of 1,7000 hospitals and other medical facilities for veterans.
Last year, Shulkin spearheaded an effort to provide same-day care at all 167 VA medical centers across the country by the end of last year. It is uncertain if he achieved his goal.
Shulkin has said in previous interviews that he prefers a hybrid model where the VA provides care for veterans that they specialize in such as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and loss of limbs, but to discontinue services that the private sector could better provide in his opinion, such as obstetrics and gynecology.
More details forthcoming.
[revad2]
