WASHINGTON — On Oct. 16, President Bush announced his intention to nominate Dr. Robert H. Roswell to be Under Secretary for Health. The position has responsibility for the health care programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"Dr. Roswell has distinguished himself as a leader in serving veterans and the public health community," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi, following the president's announcement. "His broad background and commitment to tackling the emerging issues of 21st century health care make him an ideal person to lead VA in its medical mission."
In June, Principi formed a nine-member search committee to recommend candidates for the post of under secretary. A formula set by federal law requires the committee to have representatives of such key areas as clinical care, research and education.
Roswell, who was executive director of the federal Persian Gulf Veterans Coordinating Board from 1994 until 1999, has directed VA's health care network for Florida and Puerto Rico since 1995. The network, based in Bay Pines, Fla., includes seven VA medical centers, 10 satellite outpatient clinics and 34 community clinics.
A colonel in the Army Reserve Medical Corps certified in internal medicine, Roswell also is a professor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health.
Roswell was chief of staff at the VA medical centers in Birmingham, Ala., and Oklahoma City and held medical leadership positions in other VA medical centers and VA headquarters.
If nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, Roswell would succeed Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite, who has announced his intention to resign as under secretary after a 27-year VA career.
The position of Under Secretary for Health is a presidential appointment for a term of four years, subject to Senate confirmation. Under federal law, the search committee must recommend three candidates. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs forwards the list to the President along with any comments by the Secretary.
VA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system, with a budget of more than $20 billion, a staff of 180,000 in 163 hospitals, approximately 175 nursing homes and domiciliaries, more than 800 outpatient clinics and 206 counseling centers. In addition to providing medical care to four million veterans annually, VA's medical system conducts major research, trains medical professionals through affiliation with academic centers and provides medical support in national disasters.
