Under Secretary for Health Announces Intent to Resign

WASHINGTON — Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite today announced his intent to resign as the Under Secretary for Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi asked Garthwaite to remain in his post while a search committee begins the process of finding a replacement, which could take several months. Garthwaite has agreed.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in a leadership capacity for the past six years,” wrote Garthwaite to Principi. “However, I also believe the time has come for me to seek other opportunities in health care — a little closer to the patient. I also believe that you [Principi] should have the chance to select your own Under Secretary.”

Garthwaite was nominated for his current position on May 15, 2000, after serving as the Acting Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary since 1995. Garthwaite was a key leader during the greatest period of transformation for VA’s health care system in the last 50 years.

“Dr. Garthwaite has much to be proud of,” said Principi. “During his tenure, VA increased access, treated more veterans, improved quality and patient satisfaction and reduced the cost of care per patient by more than 20 percent. His reputation as a public servant is impeccable.”

As the Under Secretary for Health, Garthwaite is in charge of a $20 billion budget and a nationwide health care system with approximately 180,000 full-time employees, 163 hospitals, 800 ambulatory care and outpatient clinics, 135 nursing homes, 43 domiciliary facilities and 206 readjustment counseling centers.

Due to technology and changes in national and VA health care trends, VA has gone from a hospital-based system to one with an outpatient focus. With 27,000 fewer employees, VA provided care to about 930,000 more veterans during the past seven years.

Garthwaite called VA “a dynamic organization that has undergone profound change in the last six years. In a relatively brief period, VA has become an industry leader in patient safety, the computerization of medical records, telemedicine and preventive health. In medical research, in the education of our country’s health care professionals and in care for veterans, it’s a better system.

“I’m proud to have been a part of this transformation. I’m privileged to have enjoyed 27 wonderful years in this great health care system. Now it’s time to move on and into another phase of my career,” Garthwaite said.

Federal law requires VA to create a search committee to identify candidates to fill vacancies for the job of Under Secretary. Principi said he expects to announce details about the search committee soon.