WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is drawing national recognition for improving physician well-being while simultaneously launching a high-stakes search for new leadership at the agency responsible for delivering benefits to millions of Veterans.
On January 12, the American Medical Association recognized seven VA health care systems for reducing physician burnout through its annual Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. The honor highlights organizations that have made measurable progress in addressing workplace stress and professional fatigue, which research shows affects physicians at higher rates than most other professions.
The VA facilities recognized were the VA Boston Health Care System; Central Virginia VA Health Care System; Minneapolis VA Health Care System; Phoenix VA Health Care System; VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System; VA Palo Alto Health Care System; and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.
The VA has emphasized the use of Chief Well-Being Officers across its health system to confront burnout drivers, reduce administrative burdens, and promote professional fulfillment. Department leaders say those efforts are part of a broader strategy to support employee health and directly improve care for Veterans.
“We want all VA employees — especially physicians — to show up for work feeling motivated and go home feeling fulfilled each and every day,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins, calling the AMA recognition evidence that the department’s workplace reforms are producing results.
Days later, on January 15, the VA announced the formation of a commission to identify candidates to lead the Veterans Benefits Administration, one of the largest and most consequential arms of the department. The commission will be chaired by VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence and will recommend candidates for the Under Secretary for Benefits position, a role that requires presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
The leadership search comes as the department reports significant operational changes during President Donald Trump’s second term. According to the VA, the backlog of Veterans awaiting benefits decisions has dropped 60 percent since January 20, 2025. The agency also says it has opened 25 new health care clinics nationwide, eliminated the backlog of families waiting for VA health care, and permanently housed nearly 52,000 homeless Veterans in fiscal year 2025 — the highest total in seven years.
Additional milestones cited by the department include an $800 million increase in infrastructure spending, the termination of most union contracts to redirect funds toward Veteran services, and the accelerated rollout of an integrated electronic health record system after years of delays.
The Under Secretary for Benefits oversees disability and pension claims, education benefits, home loan guarantees, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance programs, and transition support for service members entering civilian life. More information about the position is available at https://www.usajobs.gov/.
Together, the physician recognition and the leadership search signal a department pressing on two fronts: strengthening the workforce that delivers care and reshaping the leadership that determines how benefits reach the nation’s Veterans.
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