Dr. Raul Rivera was appointed deputy chief of staff for VA North Texas Health Care System on February 6, 2017.
Before his appointment, Dr. Rivera served as associate chief of staff for ambulatory care, providing strategic leadership and clinical oversight to primary care, occupational health, and compensation and pension. In addition, Dr. Rivera functioned as the primary care lead for the VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network. A magna cum laude graduate from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Dr. Rivera completed his internal medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
He served as an active duty physician in the Army and deployed for 15 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dr. Rivera joined the civilian teaching faculty at BAMC as chief of the Internal Medicine Clinic, playing an instrumental role in transforming it into a Patient-Centered Medical Home. Dr. Rivera joined VA North Texas in February 2014, prepared to make a difference in fellow Veterans' lives.
Dr. Rivera is an Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society member, a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
His Army service awards include Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, and Superior Civilian Service Award.