WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a commission to identify candidates to lead and manage the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The position is for the Under Secretary for Health, who oversees the country’s largest health care system — which has an approximate annual budget of $61 billion — and supervises the delivery of care to more than 9 million enrolled Veterans. 

By law, the appointment is made without regard to political affiliation and solely on demonstrated ability in the medical profession, policy formulation, and health care administration and fiscal management. Those being considered must have substantial experience in connection with the programs of VHA or programs of similar content and scope. 

Duties of the post include overseeing the operation of VA’s more than 1,200 sites of care, including hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics, nursing homes, domiciliaries and 300 Vet Centers. The candidates should have a demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement a vision, while being an advocate who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of Veterans. 

VHA is the nation’s largest provider of graduate medical education and a major contributor to medical and scientific research. More than 73,000 active volunteers, 123,000 health professions trainees, and 306,000 full-time, health-care professionals and support staff are an integral part of the VHA community. 

Learn more information about the position

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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

Contact us online through Ask VA

Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

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