VA appoints new director for DC VA Medical Center

Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has appointed Michael S. Heimall, a former director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to take on new duties as director of the Washington DC VA Medical Center (DCVAMC) on Oct. 14.

In that role, Heimall will oversee delivery of health care to more than 121,050 Veterans and an operating budget of $610 million.

“Michael’s proven experience is what we need to continue to stabilize and make further improvements at the medical center,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “I believe our employees, volunteers and Veterans will greatly benefit from his strong leadership.”

A retired U.S. Army officer with 30 years of progressive experience in hospital and health system leadership, Heimall has seven years of experience as CEO in an academic medical center with graduate medical education programs and large research portfolios. From 2015 to 2017, he served as the director for Walter Reed, where he led a 240-bed facility employing 7,000 people.

An operational and financial improvement leader, Heimall has demonstrated success building solid medical staff relations and community outreach programs. He also has an extensive background in health plan development, health professions education and clinical research oversight.

Heimall holds a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College, as well as a Master of Health Administration degree from Baylor University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Norwich University in Vermont, and has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2007.