Empowering Veterans, Advancing Health
Joel Kupersmith, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Georgetown University
VA Research and Precision Medicine Pioneer
As Chief Research and Development Officer of the Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Kupersmith's eight-year visionary leadership brought transformative changes.
He initiated the groundbreaking Million Veteran Program, the world's largest system genomic database, which became a part of the President's Precision Medicine Initiative. His achievements include a component of his research office winning a Presidential Baldrige Award.
Veterans Advocacy and Education
Dr. Kupersmith has over 170 manuscripts and 4 books. In his current role at Georgetown University, Dr. Kupersmith directs Veterans Initiatives and teaches Medicine. He has spearheaded educational efforts on veterans' issues, including courses, lectures, and writings.
His collaborative project on opioid use received significant funding. His collaboration with former Army Chief of Staff GEN. (Ret.) George Casey led to the Veteran's Creed, adopted by 17 major veterans' organizations and prominently displayed in veterans' halls.
Dr. Kupersmith's Commitment and Achievements
Dr. Kupersmith's influence extends to unique courses at Georgetown University, such as "Veterans: Hero, Victim, Threat," showcasing his commitment to veterans' perspectives.
His accomplishments include serving on federal councils, developing partnerships with defense agencies, and contributing to advancements in health services and clinical research.
The Veteran's Creed: A Unifying Pledge by Veterans' Organizations
With the leadership of Dr. Kupersmith and GEN Casey, 17 Veterans’ Organizations have established the Veteran’s Creed. The Veteran's Creed stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication and enduring principles of American veterans.
- I am an American Veteran
- I proudly served my country
- I live the values I learned in the military
- I continue to serve my community, my country, and my fellow veterans
- I maintain my physical and mental discipline
- I continue to lead and improve
- I make a difference
- I honor and remember my fallen comrades