Trump to nominate Shulkin as VA secretary

President-elect Donald Trump yesterday announced his intention to nominate as Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, M.D. AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said Shulkin’s “leadership and success in his current position as Under Secretary of Health at the VA will well serve the veterans of our nation as he leads the VA’s critical work to ensure our veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Shulkin’s diverse health care background includes service as a physician, chief medical officer and hospital and health system leader at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Atlantic Health in New Jersey. In addition, his deep knowledge and experience in running complex organizations with a focus on health care outcomes, quality and value will help strengthen the VA. His clinical experience as an internist is invaluable as the VA continues its commitment to care for veterans in their time of need. Dr. Shulkin is passionate about patient safety and quality, and his current leadership at the VA has shown his passion for serving our nation’s veterans and ensuring that they also receive the right care at the right time. We applaud his nomination and know he will strengthen the care provided to our nation’s veterans who have sacrificed for our country and deserve the highest quality care."