What is the biggest challenge facing the new Secretary of the VA?

I think the biggest challenge is going to be changing the overall culture in the VA hospitals. Many of the employees are complacent and have lousy attitudes which reflect in a poor worth ethic. I think there needs to be a prioritization of treatment by severity like the triage system used in most every emergency room. But folks with PTSD particularly in folks just returning needs to be at the top of the list. We can't have nor don't need any more suicides and tragic shootings as a result of folks not getting the help they sorely need. I work just blocks away from Navy Yard in DC and the wounds are fresh here.

Biggest challenge is that he's going to be under a microscope and is going to be under extreme expectations to get results almost immediately.

I've never had an issue with a VA doc or the nurses except once. It's been the admin people with benefits and claims and the folks who have to verify you for benefits. I have been sitting at the desk when a vet comes back to ask a question and the person shoot them attitude. Then they make rude comments about that vet right in front of you. If you say anything then your stuff "disappears" or is "lost". This is just the DCVAMC I have experienced this. When I lived in Chicago, I went to Madison to the Middleton VA Hospital and it was outstanding. My very first dealings with the VA hospital systems was when West Side VAMC was open on the South side of Chicago. I had to go in for an exam regarding my disability. The doctor tossed me a gown and told me to get undressed. I asked him to leave the room he refused. I refused to get undressed in front of him. He labelled me in my records as non-compliant. I had to fight to get that changed. When I went to Madison I had a female primary doctor and she was fabulous. The ortho guys there top notch too. My doctor here in DC in the Women's Health is great, but honestly the other areas not so great.