UPDATE to VA Responds to IG Report on Health Care Inspection at D.C. VA Medical Center

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs reported earlier today that Dr. Charles Faselis has been named the acting Medical Center Director for the D.C. VA Medical Center

In naming Dr. Faselis as the acting director, VA was following a common line of succession.

After further consideration, it was determined that naming an acting director from outside the facility would allow leadership to concentrate on addressing the many challenges identified in the OIG report, without compromising the ongoing internal review.

Col. Lawrence Connell U. S. Army (Ret) has been named the Acting Medical Center Director for the D.C. VA Medical Center. Mr. Connell is currently serving as a Senior Advisor on policy matters focusing on development, adoption, and implementation of Department-wide programs and strategic issues.

 He served more than 30 years as an Army medical service officer including 15 years as a MEDEVAC Pilot as well as Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Regional Medical Command, Honolulu, Hawaii; Chief Executive Officer of Stuttgart  (Germany) U.S. Army Medical Health Clinic; Commander of the 43^rd Area Support Medical Battalion; and other medical-related staff positions.

 He holds a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy State University and Bachelor of Science from the  University of Rhode Island.