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WILKES-BARRE — Dr. Michael Adelman, who has served as director at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center since June 2014, is leaving that post to become the new Network Director of VISN 4 in Pittsburgh.

In his new position at VISN 4 (Veterans Integrated Service Network), Adelman will oversee delivery of health care to more than 320,000 veterans with an operating budget of $2.4 billion.

“We are excited that Dr. Adelman will be the new Network Director of VISN 4,” said Janet Murphy, acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management, in an emailed release. “His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the VISN, the employees and volunteers and, most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. We anticipate he will arrive at the network within the next 45 to 60 days to begin his appointment.”

Adelman joined the Veterans Administration approximately 16 years ago and has held progressive leadership positions throughout VISN 4. Most recently, he served as the director at the Wilkes-Barre VA. Prior to that appointment, he served consecutively as the chief of staff and director at the Erie VA. He also served as acting chief medical officer of the entire VISN for nearly a year as well as interim director of the Philadelphia VA.

“We are grateful that Dr. Adelman’s wealth of knowledge and experience will continue to be used to serve VISN 4 Veterans,” said Murphy.

According to its website, VISN 4:

• Is a network of 10 VA medical centers and 45 community-based outpatient clinics.

• In fiscal year 2014, VISN 4 served 320,512 veterans from across the nation, primarily in 104 counties throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Ohio.

• With an operating budget of nearly $2.5 billion and a staff of more than 13,000, VISN 4 is working hard to transform toward personalized, proactive, patient-driven health care.

As the network director, Adelman will oversee nine hospitals in VISN 4, which includes Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh, Coatesville, Wilmington, Erie, Lebanon, Altoona, Butler and Philadelphia, as well as their associated community-based outpatient clinics. He will work out of the network offices in Pittsburgh.

“The selection process for the new director is a lengthy process, which will likely take several months,” said William Klaips, executive assistant to the director/public affairs officer at the Wilkes-Barre VA,. “Until a new director is selected for Wilkes-Barre, an acting director will be appointed.”

Klaips said the search for a replacement director is underway, but an acting director has not yet been identified since Adelman is anticipated to remain at his current post until the end of the year.

Adelman holds a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College and attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and American College of Physician Executives.

Dr. Michael Adelman
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_vatownhall03.jpg.optimal.jpgDr. Michael Adelman

By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.