Potential Candidate for Secretary of Veterans Affairs

In the wake of the resignation of Eric Shinseki as US Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the search for a replacement is underway. The White House is considering the Cleveland Clinic’s president and chief executive officer, Delos “Toby” Cosgrove, MD, for the job.

Dr. Cosgrove has been approached regarding the position and is taking it into consideration, although no final decisions have been made, according to the Wall Street Journal. Dr. Cosgrove is a Vietnam veteran and a cardiac surgeon who joined the Cleveland Clinic in 1975. He has led the organization for 10 years. The Cleveland Clinic is often recognized for its quality of patient care and experience.

Mr. Shinseki resigned last week amid allegations of long waits and secret waiting lists for veterans to get care at VA facilities around the country. Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson is currently heading the agency. Names previously tossed out as potential candidates included Mr. Gibson, Mr. Shinseki's interim replacement; former Senator Jim Webb; Army General Peter Chiarelli; Representative Tammy Duckworth; and Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno.

The Cleveland Clinic operates 11 hospitals with $6.5 billion in 2013 revenue. In comparison, the VA healthcare system has a $55.9 billion budget and 151 hospitals among 1700 facilities across the United States. The VA serves approximately 8.8 million veterans and qualifying family members.—Kerri Fitzgerald