After offering repeated assurances to sometimes skeptical senators that he will work quickly to meet the medical care needs of millions of veterans without dismantling the beleaguered department, physician David Shulkin is headed toward likely confirmation as President Donald Trump’s Veterans Affairs secretary. At his confirmation hearing, Shulkin cited efforts during his tenure to improve wait times for veterans needing urgent care, such as same-day services in primary care and mental health at VA medical centers. He has been the top health official at the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2015. He urged a more integrated VA network in which veterans could seek outside care. This in close coordination with the VA. Shulkin said, "There will be far greater accountability, dramatically improved access, responsiveness and expanded care options."
Trump’s VA pick pledges to save beleaguered agency
