Government and Regulations
A reconstituted, federally chartered 11-member Special Medical Advisory Group (SMAG) of leading medical experts will advise the secretary of Veterans Affairs, via the under secretary for health, on a variety of health matters, including health care delivery, research, education, training of health care staff, and planning on shared care issues facing VA and DoD.
Related: VHA Under Harsh Criticism From OIG, GAO
“We want the best of the best to work on behalf of our nation’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. The announcement of the SMAG follows in line with VHA’s Blueprint for Excellence, a 10-strategy approach to sustained excellence among a unified veteran-focused health care system.
Related: Carolyn Clancy on Implementing the Blueprint for Excellence
Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, will serve as SMAG committee chair. Currently, Dr. Perlin is chief medical officer and president of Clinical Services for Hospital Corporation of America in Nashville, Tennessee. He also served previously as VA under secretary for health from 2004 to 2006.
Related: Committed to Showing Results at the VA
“We are honored these respected leaders from the private, nonprofit and government sectors have agreed to join in our mission to improve how we provide the quality health care our nation’s veterans need and deserve,” commented Secretary McDonald.
