Clout: Congressman Brad Miller, General Shinseki and the Pittsburgh VA

The Provocateur ^ | 09/03/2009 | Mike Volpe

[fiscon1]

There's no doubt that Dr. Chacko had her supporters. Chief among them was Dr. Rashmikant Shah. Still after hearing all the testimony, the investigative board determined that Dr. Chacko needed to be removed. Dr. Chacko challenged the results and at some point, Dr. Chacko hired an attorney. The attorney saw that the investigative board wasn't conducted properly and the results were thrown out. As such, in May, another board, Summary Board for a Probationary Employee, was convened by the Pittsburgh VA in order to again try and remove Dr. Anna Chacko. Dr. Chacko, who often bragged about having political connections, was able to reach out to Congressman Brad Miller of North Carolina. A sub committee he chairs has oversight over the VA system, and he lead an investigation earlier into this same Pittsburgh VA Hospital. Then, Congressman Miller reached out to General Eric Shinseki, in support of Dr. Chacko. Sometime after that word came down from the top of the Veterans Administration that proceedings against Dr. Chacko at the Pittsburgh VA cease and that she be given her position back.

[rlmorel]

This is interesting to me, as I know a few of the parties involved. Good God, the Internet is a small place.

[fiscon1]

which people do you know? So, can I assume you’re in medicine?

[reformedliberal]

I wonder what it must be like to be a physician or other professional working for the VA? It sounds quite politicized and stressful.

[fiscon1]

let’s hope that not all VA hospitals are like this one.