WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi today signed a partnership agreement with the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons (ICPS) to recruit, train and retain Hispanics in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"VA recognizes the need for a diverse workforce to take care of our diverse veterans population," Principi said. "With this partnership, VA is taking an important step toward meeting that need."
The agreement provides a framework for a relationship between VA and ICPS. It will allow ICPS to advise VA, recommending policies, procedures, programs and services for the employment of qualified Hispanics. In turn, VA will receive access to ICPS's membership database for recruiting and for simplifying the application process.
"This partnership will allow us to recruit aggressively where we have the greatest need – not only for diversity, but more importantly for qualified professionals," Principi said.
ICPS is the largest association of Hispanic physicians in the country, with 39,000 members in the continental United States and Puerto Rico.
Dr. Rene Rodriguez, ICPS president and chief executive officer, signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the association.
