David Shulkin: “This plan is to put the decisions back into the hands of the patient and the provider.”

The VISN model was put in place close to 20 years ago, a very innovative model that has served VA well.

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.

It is my hope we can work together to ensure talented medical professional remain in the VA to deliver quality care to our veterans.

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