David Shulkin: “In my prior life before coming to VA, as a community provider, we participated in health information exchanges.”

I wasn't willing to do that. I don't think that's the right thing for veterans and I stood up against them.

Slowing down and pausing to see what the consequences are, even if they are unintended consequences, is important to do.

I came to Washington with the commitment to make our system work better for veterans. That's the commitment that I went to work every day. I continue to feel strongly about that. There was no reason why I would resign.

This is a tough job for anybody to do. What the successful secretary needs to do is to build a team around them because this is bigger than any one person, and to work very collaboratively with veteran service organizations and Congress.