AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, issued the following statement on the confirmation of Denis McDonough as the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
“The AAMC congratulates Denis McDonough on his Senate confirmation as he becomes the eleventh secretary of the VA. Academic medicine, made up of the nation’s medical schools and teaching hospitals, has formed a strong partnership with the VA over the past 75 years. This relationship—built on the shared missions of medical education, patient care, and research—has improved the lives of veterans and ensured that they have access to state-of-the-art health care when they need it most.
The academic medicine community and the VA work together to provide millions of veterans with high-quality patient care. The VA has also played an essential role in shaping the way doctors are trained in this country, with approximately 70% of all physicians in the United States completing at least part of their training in VA facilities. In addition, this partnership has enabled medical research breakthroughs to move swiftly from bench to bedside, benefiting veterans and all patients.
The AAMC and its member medical schools and teaching hospitals have an unwavering commitment to those who have so bravely served this country. We look forward to working with Secretary McDonough and the rest of the VA to build on this historic partnership to support our nation’s veterans.”