The Honorable VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence, Ph.D., appeared on VA’s internal program, the weekly “Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) Update” on Dec. 9. to discuss VA’s 2025 and accomplishments and goals for 2026.
Lawrence discussed where he sees momentum in the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program as we approach year end, the importance of his visits to the deployment sites, why having unique site themes matters, and more.
When discussing program progress, Lawrence emphasized that the technology of the system has continued to improve through consistent system updates. Throughout the interview, he spoke about his ongoing site visits and the importance of a “boots on the ground” approach, noting that he has personally observed a shift in sentiment about the new Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR).
“When I first would go out to the sites,” he said, “there was a sense of, ‘Oh, there’s an interesting thing happening, but I don’t really know much about it.’ Now, as I go through the second round of site visits, folks are energized and engaged, and quite frankly, it’s a real compliment to our comms and engagement teams.
“I think there was always a lot of information,” he added. “Now we’ve done a much better job of making it relevant and easier for folks to access and understand.”
Lawrence ended his interview by asking end users to remain focused on being “deeply involved” in this transformation project, which he believes will “significantly change” VA’s ability to provide world-class care to Veterans.
To learn more, watch the full interview.
The Federal EHR Update program keeps VA stakeholders informed about the progress and developments of high-visibility projects related to the EHRM initiative. For more information and resources, visit the EHRM website.
Topics in this story
More Stories
The new year is a great time to reevaluate your health goals.
Army Veteran Kyle Blake found healing from PTSD and addiction with support from his wife and Northern Arizona VA therapists. He now advocates for fellow Veterans.
In a groundbreaking partnership, the 85th Fighter Group and VHSO ensure pilots are mission-ready.
The system isn’t working in previous rollouts and veterans were fatally injured, Columbus, Ohio.
Can you guarantee that this will not happen again?
There is still zero continuity of care especially now that Community Care has been streamlined.
Respectfully,
Veteran and Retired RN
Please let’s take care of the camp of June people. We are dying. I’ve had kidney cancer and several other issues but I just recently found out that I’ve had two strokes. God bless you all
I’m a veteran whose life was saved by doctors at VA
Good on the EHR. How about the accomplishment of seriously reducing the work force/DOGE CUTS? There are many of us greatly concerned with the manner in which these were done as well as the impacts on us and those fired/let go/encouraged to retire. I see significant expertise walking out the door without sufficient scrutiny.
You and trump/collins are decimating the VA Healthcare System so that you can say privatizing the system is better!
Disgusting bullshit!
I’m an Air Force Veteran/retired VA employee
Greetings,
On behalf of ALL Veterans please acknowledge the similarities of the Pact Act and the cover up of Agent Orange.
It is obvious the chemicals are different with Camp LeJune water, however the cover-up is similar
I’m presently living in the Bath, New York, VAMC. I’ve been here since October of 2025. The programs here are wonderful and give a feeling of self-worth. They offer substance abuse, anger, grief and a large amount of other programs. I can honestly say that I’ve seen changes in myself and others here. Good changes. Changes that will change lives for the better. I can’t speak on other facilities, but this VAMC is definitely a shining star. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to feel human again.
Hon. DEP. SEC.,
Please provide me with a complete copy of my VA Right Knee open joint surgery records at Temple VA Med Ctr 1971-75, and all VA Inpatient Physical Therapy Records 1980-1998, and VA Outpatient Records 1971-1980 at Temple and Waco PT.
I have a BVA Hearing Jan 27,2036. I cannot win my claims without the Records. I have asked for said Records for 5 years. Thx u.
R. Carter, Veteran.
As a veteran, I really don’t see how can the secretary of the VA say there’s been a whole lot accomplished in the yr 2025. Through whose eyes is seeing this? Are the Visin directors providing factual information on how the VA’s really operating? How are the veterans being treated? We need to be a bit more transparent and realistic. The VA’s are not doing what they should be doing. My personal experience with the San Juan, Puerto Rico VA has been the worse by far horrifying experience. They certainly need to have an OIG investigate unfair treatment, delay in patient care, refusal to offfer alternatives like Community care when there is appointment in certain specialty care clinics that extends beyond the 90 day window for the patient to be seen when clearly the policy is within 28 days. This particular VA does as they please they do not follow regulations as they should leaving patients hang out to dry and not providing proper or timely medical care.