The Senate has confirmed Shereef Elnahal, MD, CEO of University Hospital in Newark, N.J., as the Department of Veterans Affairs' undersecretary for health on July 21, Yahoo News reported.
Dr. Elnahal will take over the position that has remained empty for five years after David Shulkin, MD, left the position. President Joe Biden nominated Dr. Elnahal to the position and he was confirmed by a vote of 66-23.
"Now more than ever, the Department of Veterans Affairs needs a steady hand to guide the Veterans Health Administration,” said Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont. "Dr. Elnahal has an impressive record of leading health care systems and health agencies, but more importantly than that, he is committed to caring for the more than 9 million veterans currently in VA's care."
Dr. Elnahal said his top priority will be the recruitment and retention of talented healthcare professionals.