The Department of Veteran Affairs has appointed Dr. Richard Stone as principal deputy health undersecretary and he will work as direct report to VA Health Undersecretary David Shulkin.
Stone officially started work at the VA Monday, the department said in a notice released the same day.
His three-decade career as a physician includes medical service in both the military and the private sector, such as director of healthcare operations for the Defense Health Agency transition team.
On that team, he served as chief medical officer and led a joint services team to conduct business case analysis and business process re-engineering work on 10 shared services initiatives that encompass more than $30 billion in expenses per year.
He has also led medical units at all levels of command in the U.S. Army, where he served in roles such as deputy surgeon general and deputy commanding general of support to the army surgeon general.
Stone’s private sector career includes time as a senior medical officer for a community healthcare system in Michigan and ownership of an ambulatory medical and surgical practice.
Stone has received awards and distinctions such as Distinguished Alumnus of Western Michigan University College of Arts and Sciences; and Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Combat Action Badge.
