Richard Stone, MD, has been named acting executive-in-charge of the Veteran's Health Administration, one of three main branches of the Department of Veteran's Affairs, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Stone will take over for acting chief Carolyn Clancy, MD, who will move into a position focused on innovation and research within the VHA, according to the Military Times. Dr. Stone comes from Booz, Allen Hamilton, where he was a vice president focused on military health, and previously served as principal deputy undersecretary of health in the VHA from February 2016 to March 2017.
The appointment from acting VA Secretary Peter O'Rourke surprised many congressional leaders and veteran advocacy groups, who reportedly were not expecting a shakeup at the VHA.