Washington, D.C. — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Togo D. West Jr. today announced formation of a nine-member search commission to recommend candidates for a new Under Secretary for Health for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
VA’s Under Secretary for Health directs more than 200,000 full- and part-time employees — including 80,000 direct care providers — in one of the largest health-care systems in the world. VA offers care at more than 1,100 sites, from community-based outpatient clinics providing primary care services to full-service tertiary care medical centers credited with groundbreaking research and world class treatment. There are 3.8 million veterans currently enrolled in the VA health-care program.
"We are pleased to have the service of search committee members who share our vision and commitment in ensuring the best health care for our nation’s veterans," said Secretary West. "The VA health-care system is poised to meet the new millennium with leading-edge programs to enhance quality and effectiveness of care, and we will seek a leader with the managerial and clinical skills to navigate the rapid changes taking place in American medicine."
The successful candidate will succeed Dr. Kenneth W. Kizer, who requested that the President withdraw his nomination for a second term. Deputy Under Secretary for Health Dr. Thomas Garthwaite currently is managing the VA health-care system.
Under a representation formula dictated by law, the search commission’s composition reflects interests in such areas as clinical care, research and education.
The position of Under Secretary for Health is a presidential appointment for a term of four years subject to Senate confirmation. Under federal law, the search commission recommends at least three candidates. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs forwards the list to the President along with any comments by the Secretary.
A list of commission members is attached.
1999 UNDER SECRETARY FOR HEALTH COMMISSION
Commander, Tripler Army Medical Center;
Commander, Pacific Regional Medical Command;
United States Army Pacific Surgeon; and
the Professional Filler Commander (PROFIS) of 18th Medical Command, Korea
Enrique Mendez, MG, (M.D.) USA (Ret)
former Army Deputy Surgeon General,
Commander, Walter Reed Army Medical Center,
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and
former Dean and President, Ponce School of Medicine, Puerto Rico
Hershel W. Gober
Deputy Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, D.C.
G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery
former Chairman, House Veterans Affairs’ Committee U.S. House of Representatives
Floyd J. Malveaux, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Medicine and Interim Vice President for Health Affairs,
College of Medicine Howard University Washington, D.C.
John W. Rowe, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer Mount Sinai-New York University Medical Center and Health System New York, NY
Gordon H. Mansfield
Executive Director Paralyzed Veterans of America Washington, D.C.
John F. Sommer, Jr.
Executive Director The American Legion Washington, D.C.
George E. Thibault
Chairman, Department of Veterans Affairs Special Medical Advisory Group
Vice President of Clinical Affairs Partners HealthCare System, Inc. Boston, Mass.
Executive Secretary: Eugene A. Brickhouse, Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration Department of Veterans Affairs
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