1) In no way are there over 18 thousand docs working at the VA..so its mostly “leadership” that sit in meetings all day and can’t lead.
2)Recruiting for doctors ( especially psychiatrists)is very, very difficult for the VA because a) there is a shortage nationwide b) the VA is not competitive with the private sector.
RECOMMENDATION:
cut the VA “leadership” at all levels by 50% and hire more front line workers! No waiting lists then.
Mostly Agreed, but I think 90% is a better number.
How about considering ending the VA medical system and just giving eligible Vets free access to any civilian medical facility they choose.
IMHO, as long as these are government run hospitals, they will always be substandard in quality and overly expensive.
Vacareers.va.gov says that there are over 14,000 physicians working for the VA.
I’d assume that the other’s are senior administrators. It may be robbery (esp given the care and list scandals) but senior hospital administrators in the private sector can make salaries in the mid to high six figures.