VA invites physicians to join as agency recovers from scandal

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in the midst of fundamental changes after a period of struggle and public criticism—and some of those changes could make it an appealing place for physicians to work. Appeal for help David Shulkin, MD, undersecretary of health at the VA, delivered that message of hope for his once-beleaguered organization during a presentation at the 2016 AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago. He issued a passionate appeal for physicians to contribute to the VA’s colossal rebuilding effort. “We desperately need physicians and have to make it an attractive place to work,” Dr. Shulkin, a primary care physician, said. “I think we’re working on that.” The VA has openings for 1,800 physicians and 44,000 employees of all kinds as it accommodates a growing patient population, Dr. Shulkin said. An agency in crisis The VA hit a low point in 2014 when it drew criticism over excessive patient wait times and allegations of deceptive record-keeping at its Phoenix medical center. President Obama called for an investigation after it was discovered that 40 veterans had died in Phoenix while awaiting treatment. The scandal soon spread as shoddy practices were discovered at centers around the nation. In May 2014 President Obama accepted VA Director Eric Shinseki’s resignation. The crisis has spurred the VA to respond with five key efforts, Dr. Shulkin said: Reducing wait times for patients Engaging employees once again in their se...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news