Dr. Hines is the Acting Deputy to the Deputy Under Secretary for Health (DDUSH) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as well as a practicing VA physician. In this role, his primary duties including providing strategic guidance and operational direction to VA senior leaders, enabling them to make informed decisions to enhance the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of health care service delivery for Veterans.
He coordinates strategic priorities across components of the organization, and engages with other stakeholders, including Veterans, other federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations, to ensure transparent and timely communication on issues that could impact Veteran care. In addition to providing enterprise- wide strategic guidance, he has a particular focus on drug and medical supply stability, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving Veterans’ experience of VHA services. Dr. Hines continues to serve as a Clinical Neurologist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
Prior to the Acting DDUSH role, Dr. Hines served as the Senior Advisor for Healthcare Operations where he provided strategic advice to the Under Secretary for Health on heath care operations at VA’s more than 1,200 VHA sites of care. Similarly, as a White House Fellow at the Domestic Policy Council, he advised on policy objectives related to programs for caregivers of Veterans, brain health, and various public health priorities.
Prior to coming to VHA, Dr. Hines completed residency training at the UCSF and served as Chief Resident for Conference Education. Dr. Hines also completed seminary training in theology and spiritual care. He applies the pastoral skills he has learned when engaging with Veterans and staff across VA to ensure that each and every Veteran and employee know that they are seen, heard, and honored in any interaction they have with the Department of Veteran Affairs.