Why Did You Leave the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 6:45 pm

ProPublica Investigates VA Employee Departures, Seeking Insights

ProPublica, a non-profit investigative news organization, is launching an investigation into the recent departures of medical professionals from Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics. The newsroom is seeking to understand the reasons behind these departures and their potential impact on patient care.

The investigation stems from ProPublica's reporting over the past several months, which has indicated that recent policy changes may be influencing working conditions within the VA. To gain a comprehensive understanding, ProPublica is requesting information from doctors, nurses, and other front-line medical providers who have recently left their positions at VA facilities.

ProPublica has already obtained anonymized exit-survey data, but they are seeking firsthand accounts to provide context and depth to their reporting. The organization is interested in hearing about both negative and positive experiences related to the VA, including perspectives on the impact of changes implemented during the Trump administration.

ProPublica emphasizes the importance of privacy and assures potential sources that their names and stories will not be published without explicit permission. Individuals currently employed by the VA or other federal agencies are encouraged to contact reporters directly through the encrypted messaging app Signal. This method is also available to former employees.

The goal of this investigation is to provide a comprehensive view of the situation within the VA, highlighting the experiences of those who have left the system and their insights into the quality of care provided.

BNN's Perspective:

This investigation by ProPublica is a crucial step in understanding the challenges facing the VA and the impact on veterans. While it's important to acknowledge the potential for negative findings, a balanced approach that considers both positive and negative experiences is essential. Transparency and accountability are paramount in ensuring the VA provides the best possible care for those who have served.

Keywords: ProPublica, VA, Veterans Affairs, employee departures, medical professionals, patient care, investigation, policy changes, Trump administration, exit surveys, Signal, reporting, healthcare, veterans, hospitals, clinics, nurses, doctors

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