Paralyzed Veterans of America Voices Expectations of President-Elect Trump's Selection for VA Secretary

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today remarked on President-Elect Trump's announcement that he has selected VA Under Secretary of Health David Shulkin to replace Robert McDonald as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"We commend Secretary McDonald for his willingness to step into the arena after the Phoenix VA scandal. He made great strides in bringing about change against nearly impossible odds. We wish him well in his future endeavors, and we are now looking to the future of veterans' health care," said Sherman Gillums, executive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "As the incoming secretary, Dr. Shulkin will certainly have his own priorities, which Paralyzed Veterans of America will support, as long as they are in the best interest of our members and all veterans who served our country. His experience as under secretary for health should ensure continuity in improving health care for veterans as the scope of his responsibility broadens. Dr. Shulkin fully understands our priorities and what we expect of VA's senior leaders, so we're not starting from square one. We look forward to working with him and the new administration."

President-elect Trump expressed confidence in Dr. Shulkin's qualifications for the position, stating: "He will do a truly great job."

Dr. Shulkin was confirmed as the VA Under Secretary of Health in June 2015, and has oversight of more than 1,700 VA healthcare sites across the United States. In this position, he has worked with Paralyzed Veterans' leadership, and has been a guest speaker at numerous events to open the lines of communication about the priorities and needs of veterans receiving specialized care in the VA's spinal cord injury centers.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (pva.org).

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

Related Links

http://www.pva.org