David Shulkin: “It just simply couldn't work by turning on a switch and privatizing it.”

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.

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

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

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.