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CHARLESTON, SC – Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (SC) teamed with Congressman Steve Buyer (IN), ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in welcoming VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake to the First District as he toured VA facilities in the Charleston area. (photos)
Brown and Buyer were joined by Dr. Raymond Greenberg, President of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Mr. John Barilich, Director of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (VAMC) as they reviewed collaborative health care efforts between the two local entities. They toured the new MUSC Ashley River Tower and Secretary Peake also visited the Johnson VAMC and met with staff while on site.
“I welcome the occasion to have Secretary Peake visit the First District and gain valuable insight as he is presented information on the ongoing collaborative projects,” Brown said. “The ‘Charleston Model’ is a concept in which Congressman Buyer and I take great pride. The path we are charting here can become a blueprint for numerous locations throughout the VA healthcare system. We have the opportunity to make the most of our VA budget while remaining steadfast to the primary mission of providing the highest quality care to the veterans of this country who have the greatest need.”
Buyer echoed those sentiments and said, “As we work with the VAMC and MUSC, we continue to see that their goals are not that different. In touring these facilities with Secretary Peake, I can see that he ‘gets it.’ He knows what the goal is – not only in Charleston, but in Orlando, New Orleans, Denver, and beyond.”
In thanking all those involved with the opportunity to view these facilities, Secretary Peake noted, “Since 1946, we have had a great affiliation between VAMC and MUSC. We look forward to the future as we continue to build on these partnerships.”
Dr. Greenberg thanked the Secretary for taking the time to make a first-hand visit and added, “Having a physician in this position is extraordinary.” The MUSC President also thanked the Congressmen for their persistence in advocating the collaborative approach and pointed out the tremendous progress made in joint research and joint acquisition of leading-edge technology.
Some 243 physicians – about 95 percent of all local VA physicians – hold faculty appointments at MUSC. The Johnson VAMC has been ranked as one of the nation’s best VA medical centers.
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