The Department of Veterans Affairs, which employs more than 900 optometrists, was the latest federal agency to receive a shake up Wednesday evening, as Secretary David Shulkin, MD, was removed and replaced with Rear Adm. Ronny L. Jackson, MD.^1,2 Dr. Jackson has served previously as the White House physician since 2006, a position that cares for the president, the cabinet and other White House senior staff. 

In an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Dr. Shulkin expressed concern that his removal was attributable to reforms that the White House is considering implementing to the agency, which include privatizing it. “I was not against reforming VA, but I was against privatization,” he told NPR.

Dr. Jackson will have to be confirmed by the Senate before taking the lead position at the VA.