Director Of VA Maryland Health Care System Retires

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The director of the VA Maryland Health Care System announces his retirement.

Dennis Smith will be retiring on January 2, 2015 after more than 41 years of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Under Smith's direction, the VA Maryland Health Care System has become a national leader in Veterans health care, research and education throughout the VA.

"I have been blessed with a marvelous career and outstanding staff at the VA Maryland Health Care System," Smith said.  "While I will miss the daily interactions with Veteran patients, employees, volunteers and visitors, the new director will be fortunate to find a competent, dedicated and loyal staff who are committed to providing safe, quality and compassionate health care to Maryland's Veterans."

Smith was also responsible for pursuing clinical and technological innovations throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System during his career.

During Smith's tenure at the VA Maryland Health Care System, he also expanded community based outpatient care services for Maryland's Veterans by opening new VA outpatient clinics in Fort Meade, Glen Burnie, Loch Raven, Pocomoke City and Southern Maryland.

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