Defend scientific integrity and open communication for veteran healthcare

The administration's reported actions to restrict VA doctors from contributing to prestigious medical journals are deeply concerning and counterproductive. Scientific expertise and open discourse are crucial for advancing medical research and improving patient care for our nation's veterans. Attempting to censor VA scientists' publications solely due to the "potential for negative national exposure" is an unacceptable violation of academic freedom and a disservice to the public good. We should encourage government scientists to share their findings and recommendations transparently through respected peer-reviewed channels. Their insights can inform policies that prioritize veterans' well-being over political optics. Stifling scientific voices undermines evidence-based policymaking and hampers progress in addressing critical health issues faced by our veteran community. I urge you to instead foster an environment that values scientific integrity, open communication, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge to better serve those who have served our country. Our veterans deserve access to the latest advancements and highest standards of care, which can only be achieved through rigorous research and unfettered scientific discourse.