U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated David Shulkin, MD, as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Dr. Shulkin, an internist, is currently serving as VA undersecretary of health, where he leads the VA's healthcare system, which serves nearly 9 million veterans each year.
In addition to his government work, Dr. Shulkin has served in various leadership positions at medical centers, academic institutions, and a business. His previous titles include the following:
- President and CEO of Beth Israel Medical Center
- Chief medical officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System
- Chairman of medicine and vice dean of the Drexel University School of Medicine
- Chairman and CEO of DoctorQuality
If confirmed as VA secretary by the U.S. Senate, he will be responsible for running the organization that has been plagued by problems, most recently for putting nearly 600 patients at risk for exposure to hepatitis and HIV after a dentist didn't follow infection-control policies.
