By Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D.
2014 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Past Director of AAPS
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“Across the U.S., the Code of Corruption means that administrators set up secret waiting lists to hide outrageously long wait times. The falsified wait times improved their “outcomes” to qualify for financial bonuses. “
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The VA has many truly dedicated doctors, nurses, and health professionals who do their best to genuinely serve America’s veterans. I salute their conscientious work and commitment under difficult conditions, often in a culture of fear and intimidation if they identify problems.
News headlines since the Phoenix scandal first broke in late April, however, clearly show a dark underbelly in the VA that is the antithesis of dedication to patients. It speaks of a “Code of Corruption,” not the Military’s Code of Honor that America’s veterans have upheld.
The U.S. military has an admirable code of ethics: duty, honor, and sacrifice. Their Code is to protect the vulnerable, shield civilians when possible, watch their fellow soldier’s back, and leave no one behind in combat. Our soldiers, holding themselves to these standards, trusted that the country they served would also honor its commitment to them for medical care when needed.
Now we see VA bureaucrats, administrators, and politicians whose only “Code” seems to be the opposite of the military ethos: lie, cover up, cheat to protect my income at all costs, even if veterans die while I cook the books.
Recent headlines tell the story eloquently: More
The PPJ Gazette 