Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, MD, withdrew his nomination for the role of Veterans Affairs secretary amid inflammatory allegations from current and former colleagues of drunkenness on duty, misdistribution of prescription drugs and hostile workplace behavior. Here are six things to know about what will happen next for the physician.
1. Dr. Jackson will not return to his former role as President Donald Trump's personal physician, Politico reported. Dr. Jackson had already stepped down from this role after he was nominated for the VA position. Sean Conley, MD, a Navy officer, assumed the position as President Trump's personal physician and will continue in the role.
2. Dr. Jackson will still be part of the White House Medical Unit, Politico also reported. President Trump and the White House continue to stand by Dr. Jackson.
3. The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General may launch an investigation into the allegations, according to ABC News. The Pentagon is currently reviewing the complaints to determine what warrants a further investigation.
4. The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs dropped its investigation into the allegations, according to ABC. The committee dropped its investigation into allegations about Dr. Jackson creating a hostile work environment after he dropped the nomination to be VA secretary.
5. So far, none of the allegations have been proved and some have been discounted by the White House. The White House said there is no evidence of the allegation that Dr. Jackson wrecked a government vehicle while drunk, according to The Washington Post. An investigation showed just three minor traffic incidents on his record, in which Dr. Jackson was not at fault. Secret Service also reported there was no documentation of an allegation that agents intervened when Dr. Jackson drunkenly pounded on a hotel room door in earshot of former President Barack Obama's room, according to the report.
6. Dr. Jackson denied allegations of improper drinking on the job. He claims he only drank on trips with multiple physicians present and never drank when he was on duty, which is in line with the White House policy, according to The Washington Post.
More articles on leadership and management:
Boulder Community Health slashes staff by 1%
VA launches investigation after veteran's father tweets pictures of unsanitary conditions
Lafayette General Health issues termination warning letters to 800 employees