‘Straight Shooter’ Named As San Diego VA Health Care System Director
Leaders in San Diego’s veterans' circles describe Dr. Robert Smith as a straight shooter, a good listener and an intellectual.
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
New Director Named For San Diego VA Medicine
Dr. Robert Smith has been named to perhaps one of the most hot-button jobs in America these days — director of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Smith is a 61-year-old career VA doctor in San Diego, which makes him an insider at a time of controversy and upheaval at the massive federal agency. In response to scandals over veterans waiting too long for medical care, a congressional commission wants to expand a program that allows veterans to get treatment in the private sector — possibly splintering the venerable VA medical system, said critics of the strategy. (Steele, 7/26)
In other news from across the state —
The Desert Sun:
Desert Healthcare District Backs Coachella Valley Expansion Bill
Following months of talks, board members of the Desert Healthcare District on Tuesday officially backed a legislative plan to expand the public agency to cover the entire Coachella Valley. The vote wasn't unanimous and came with a request that one sentence in the bill be changed slightly to address the district's ability to seek a public vote and make it clear no expansion will occur without a proposed source of money to pay for the public district's larger role. (Newkirk, 7/26)