David Shulkin: Former VA leader joins Sanford Health

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Sept. 11, 2018 — David Shulkin, M.D., former secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has joined Sanford Health as chief innovation officer.

As the top innovations administrator, Dr. Shulkin leads initiatives to advance work in research, Imagenetics, the Sanford Chip, Profile and World Clinic. His experience helps drive the health system’s continued clinical development. He also serves as a strategic adviser on Sanford Health’s national growth strategy and overall public policy efforts.

Dr. Shulkin is a director on the Sanford International Board. He serves as an ambassador for Sanford Health on many of the system’s domestic and international projects. In addition, he provides direction and advice on national health care issues in academia and the health care industry.

“Secretary Shulkin is one of the most talented health care leaders in the country. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Sanford Health,” said Kelby Krabbenhoft, president and CEO. “His unique perspective, clinical expertise and powerful voice will further Sanford Health’s continued development and diversification, which is so critical to our ability to bring new treatments and cures to the patients we serve.”

Dr. Shulkin’s previous experience

Before serving as VA secretary, Dr. Shulkin was leader of the nation’s largest integrated health care system as the undersecretary of health. He served in chief executive roles for Beth Israel Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center. He has also been chief medical officer for the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Temple University Hospital and the Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital.

“After completing my work in the public sector, Sanford Health was an obvious choice to continue my health care career,” Dr. Shulkin said.  “Sanford’s unique brand of innovation and clinical integration is bringing precision medicine to the bedside which is rapidly improving patient care in unprecedented ways.”

Dr. Shulkin received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and is a board-certified internist. He completed an internship at Yale University School of Medicine. In addition, he served a residency and fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Medical Center.