United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2017 to 2018, David Shulkin managed the second-largest federal agency, overseeing 1,700 facilities and 350,000 employees. He holds the distinction of being the first non-veteran to lead the department, arriving at the role following his tenure as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health during the Obama administration.
Medical Background and Private Sector Leadership
Born in 1959 at the Philip H. Sheridan Reserve Center in Highland Park, Illinois, Shulkin pursued a career in medicine after graduating from Hampshire College in 1982 and earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1986. Before entering government service, he held executive roles in various health systems, including serving as President and CEO of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and Morristown Medical Center. His academic career included positions at Drexel University College of Medicine and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, alongside editorial board contributions to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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In 2015, Shulkin moved into public office as the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health. Upon his unanimous Senate confirmation as Secretary in February 2017, he implemented transparency measures, including the public posting of wait times and quality data for all VA clinics. He advocated for the use of private sector care for routine medical procedures, such as audiology and hearing aid services, to prioritize resources for wounded veterans. During his tenure, he also served as the designated survivor during the 2017 address to a joint session of Congress.
Dismissal and Privatization Disputes
Shulkin’s tenure concluded on March 28, 2018, when he was dismissed via Twitter by President Donald Trump. Following his departure, he publicly addressed tensions within the department, specifically identifying political pressure to move toward the privatization of VA healthcare. He argued that such shifts were driven by advocacy groups like Concerned Veterans of America rather than the best interests of veteran care. His final year in office was also marked by a public controversy regarding a July 2017 international trip to Europe, during which he faced scrutiny over taxpayer-funded expenses related to sightseeing activities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Philip H. Sheridan Reserve Center
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Hampshire College, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Position: United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2017-2018)
- Position: Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health (2015-2017)
- Occupation: Physician, Official
Questions readers ask
Was David Shulkin a veteran?
No, he was the first non-veteran to hold the position of United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Why was David Shulkin dismissed?
President Donald Trump announced his dismissal via Twitter on March 28, 2018, following internal disagreements regarding the privatization of VA healthcare.
Achievements
- Educated at Hampshire College and Drexel University College of Medicine
- Worked as physician and official
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