Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald is on a cross-country tour, trying to recruit doctors-in-training to fill staffing shortfalls at the VA that over time could jeopardize care for millions of veterans, the New York Times reports. McDonald told the publication that he was shocked by the lack of physicians at the VA facilities when he took over the position three months ago in the wake of a nationwide scandal about secret wait lists to cover up long delays in care. He intends to hire 28,000 clinicians to fill the vacancies and is going to medical schools to recruit graduates by offering raises, school loan forgiveness and what he says is an improving work environment. But considering the troubles within the VA system, combined with the nationwide physician shortage, his efforts may not be enough. McDonald believes the shortage may require building new medical schools and raising the number of students at existing schools, he told the publication. Article