From:

Sent:
To:
Subject:
6/27 /14 1 pm.
victor waters <vicmd44@gmail.com>
Sunday, June 29, 2014 5:16 PM
VHASUXSUPV
[EXTERNAL] COS resignation
I am please to announce that I have accepted a position as a member of the executive medical staff
in the private sector. It's been an honor work with front line staff, AOs and service line chiefs who
provide superior and exemplary clinical services to our veterans.
Unfortunately, I will be resigning as COS effective immediately due to the lack of integrity and
professionalism exhibited by Director Goodspeed. In just 7 months, Mr. Darwin Goodspeed has
violated the Gifts Act, investigated by V ACO HR for sexual misconduct; reprimanded by ORO
(Office of Research Oversight) for improper hiring practices; inappropriately hired foreign citizens
over qualified US citizens; violated the VHA Privacy Act (Sec 38 USC 5701) by ordering staff to
contact a family member through social media; reprimanded by VISN for inappropriate material on
his own personal facebook page; and failure to report two veteran deaths on a wait list.( amongst a
list of other violations). Mr. Goodspeed epitomizes the type of corrupt leadership that the media has
finally exposed. I am amazed how this director, and others, are given "sovereign immunity" against
all of their "sins". It creates a double standard culture - "do what I say, not what i do". This
absolute power and control by directors supported vigorously by VISN s sets stage for the
corruption and abuse that has eroded our system.
To my fellow COS colleagues. Has anyone ever asked the question, "why does a COS with years
of clinical and administrative expertise be required to submit to a director-supervisor who has
minimal or no clinical expertise and who's salary is roughly half that of the COS?" This structure
breeds inherent tensions, insecurities and power struggles between the director and COS. A
director is disincentivized to grant justifiable physician pay bonuses or salary increases because
he's inherently resentful of the large gap in salary. VHA has lost sight that COS are a special breed
of people with. significantly more responsibility and oversight of clinical operations than that of
their counter parts, CMO, in the private sector. Their skill-sets are the keys to the success of this
organization. Don't you think its time for COS to be granted more authority and control?
To my colleagues on the National Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I am proud and honored to
partake in the drive to improve diversity in the workplace. The committee has affirmed, what I
experienced in VISN 23, that over one-half of all VISNS lack any diversity in leadership or
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supports its development. This gap in SES leadership hasn't changed since 2009. No small wonder
why there's a low probability for minority advancement opportunities.
As physician-attorney with over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience in both private,
State, and Federal systems, I have never witnessed such blatant disregard for laws and policies.
Why does it have to take a physician forced into retirement (Phoenix VA) or a COS promoted in
the private sector for VACO leadership to realize there are serious and lethal leadership issues.
Of course, after my departure, there will be the typical response by V ACO to demonize by own
character and integrity. I gain nothing in sharing this email and risking my own career opportunities
in the private sector. But I owe it to myself, my colleagues and the very principles that stand on and
the very reason why I joined VHA's mission:
"Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence".
And every least one of these principles has been compromised the this current director.
As a professionals that represent the bravest of our country, we should tolerate or allow this
behavior to continue.
Best wishes.
Victor Waters, M.D., J.D., F.C.L.M
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
Diplomate, American Board of Legal Medicine
.J
Fellow, American College of Legal Medicine
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Sanford Medical School
Member, New York Bar
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