A key figure in the inquiry is Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez, who, according to Durbin, VA officials say had at least some connection to each of the dead patients. According to the Boston Globe, Veizaga-Mendez surrendered his Massachusetts medical license last year after “accusations of ‘grossly’ substandard care in the state.” He later began working at Marion VA hospital, without telling Illinois licensing officials about his prior troubles in Massachusetts.
Now Durbin and Barack Obama are getting into the mix. On October 18th they sent a letter to the VA pressing for information and a suitable response on the matter. The letter was addressed to Gordon H. Mansfield, Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs (that’s right, still no replacement for former-VA Secretary Nicholson).
The letter prods deeper into mortality statistics at the Marion VA hospital and the background of Dr. Veizaga-Mendez, but here’s the most striking paragraph:
Durbin has also released a video message on his Website addressing the matter:
Dr. Veizaga-Mendez may have had his license suspended indefinitely in Illinois–but now he’s trying to practice in North Dakota.
