Secretary Nicholson Says Veterans Health Care "in Good Hands"

WASHINGTON (July 21, 2006) – Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson today announced that Dr. Michael J. Kussman will serve as VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Health while the Department conducts a search to replace outgoing Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Jonathan Perlin. Perlin announced last week that he is resigning, effective August 11, to take a private sector position.

"Michael Kussman is a decorated Army veteran and a dedicated medical administrator, and his leadership will ensure that veterans continue to receive world-class health care during this transitional period," said Secretary Nicholson.

Kussman, who will become Acting Under Secretary on August 12, has served as VA’s Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health since August 2005. In this capacity, he leads all clinical and operational policies and programs for the nation’s largest integrated health care system, and oversees health policy coordination between VA and other governmental and non-governmental agencies.  

Before coming to VA, Kussman had a military medical career spanning three decades. His service included stints as commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System in Washington, D.C., commander of the Europe Regional Medical Command, command surgeon for U.S. Army Europe, and TRICARE lead agent for Europe. Kussman retired from military service as a brigadier general.

With 156 hospitals and more than 800 community-based clinics, VA has more than one million patient visits per week. VA’s annual health care budget is nearly $30 billion.

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