Bob McDonald as new head of VA. Do you think he can make a difference?

1LT Marc Kinder — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:28:18 -0400

What do you think of Bob McDonald being appointed to lead the VA? Do you think he can make a difference with his experience running P&G?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 4:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:33:11 -0400

I just heard about this a few minutes ago. Honestly, I don't think it's going to make a big difference. Too much corruption within the government as it is.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 29 at 2014 5:14 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:14:58 -0400

The VA System has been broken for years. Like many oversized bureaucratic organizations, I do not believe one man can fix it unless he is willing to go in and get rid of the people really responsible for what is happening. Having been in the VA and seeing others who have been in for years, that is going to take a major shake up.

Some, not all by any means, of the doctors would never be able to survive in private practice. A Podiatrist who was going to work on me took the same tools he had just used on a previous patient and began to work on my feet. When I asked this very senior citizen doctor about sterilizing his gear, he said, "Oh, don't worry it is safe since it is only feet I work on." I got up and left. When I complained, I was told that he was the only one they had, take it or leave it. I left it and have not been back for that "service" again (I am a diabetic). I use a outside Podiatrist now.

Some very good PA's have been replaced by MDs who do not seem to know which end of a stethoscope to use. I am not sure how much VA dock make, but for many it is just too much. The other thing you may notice is that the Aids and Nurses come in two kinds - hot and cold. Many seem to be there to get a paycheck and seem to think patients are an imposition on their time. Think about the worst Military Hospital you were ever in. Once you have that mage in your mind, that is what the VA is Striving to achieve as its baseline standard.

I could go on and on, but NO I do not think he will make much of a difference. If he has the power and authority to make sweeping changes, maybe.

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Jun 30 at 2014 12:55 AM

SGT Leigh Barton — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:55:26 -0400

LEAD IT WHERE??? The Veterans Administration has been nothing more than political eyewash since its inception. Something that the politicians can point to and say "We're spend lots of money to care for our veterans". And less than 3 cents of every dollar spent actually goes to the veterans. For my money, if I need help or have something useful to contribute, I'll come here to Rally Point rather than waste my time with an irresponsible bureaucracy. That way it stands at least a remote chance of doing some good. Where the Veterans Administration is concerned the old axiom applies "When all is said and done, more will be said than done"

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 2 at 2014 8:52 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 08:52:23 -0400

It's not the VA's top leadership that's the issue, it's their regional offices that have employees that have been there for decades, embedded into those positions, that need to go and go NOW!

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jul 2 at 2014 9:17 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 09:17:05 -0400

I am hopeful, if nothing else... has to be better than what is happening now.