President Donald Trump is reportedly considering former Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove, MD, as a replacement for David Shulkin, MD, as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to Cleveland.com.
Dr. Shulkin has been under investigation for financial misappropriations and has allegedly been facing an internal mutiny among senior staffers, but he has yet to be released from his post. Dr. Cosgrove turned down the role of VA secretary in 2014 and early 2017, but sources close to President Trump say he is considering offering him the position again.
Dr. Cosgrove stepped down as CEO of Cleveland Clinic in 2017 after 13 years at the position.
"Dr. Cosgrove was honored to be considered for the role, but withdrew his name because of commitments he has yet to fulfill here at Cleveland Clinic," hospital spokesperson Eileen Sheil said after Dr. Cosgrove took himself out of the running for VA secretary in 2017, according to Cleveland.com. "It was a difficult decision that he did not take lightly. As a Vietnam Veteran, he understands the importance of this role."