A Legacy of Excellence

After 20 distinguished years of VA service, Charles Faselis, MD, Chief of Staff at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, departed on Friday, November 28, 2025 to assume the role of Chief of Staff at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center in California. His departure marks the end of an era defined by exceptional leadership, groundbreaking research, dedication to teaching residents, and compassionate Veteran care.

Department heads across the medical center and former VA executive leaders have consistently described Dr. Faselis as a rare “quadruple threat”-excelling simultaneously as a clinician, researcher, educator, and poised leader. This combination of talents has left an indelible mark on the Washington DC VA Medical Center staff and the countless lives he has touched. 

As a physician, Dr. Faselis maintained an unwavering commitment to providing safe, quality care to our nation’s Veterans. His clinical expertise and calm mannerism earned him the respect and gratitude of Veterans, caregivers, and colleagues alike. His contributions to medical research have advanced the field and improved outcomes for Veterans. Dr. Faselis’ scholarly work and publications have pushed the boundaries of medical knowledge while remaining firmly grounded in the practical needs of those he served. 

Generations of medical residents have benefited from Dr. Faselis’ dedication to teaching as he has mentored and shaped many young physicians into thoughtful practitioners who will carry his legacy of excellence. Having first served as department head over clinical education and then as the Chief of Medical Service at the DC VA Medical Center, he was a likely successor, in April 2016, after Dr. Ross Fletcher retired. 

As Chief of Staff at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, Dr. Faselis led with a calm spirit, yet witty, and a steady hand, guiding the medical center through challenges while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. His ability to bring multidisciplinary teams together has proven impactful for the medical center and the Veterans receiving care. Dr. Faselis’ 20-year tenure represents more than longevity—it represents relationships and a commitment to the VA mission, serving those who served our country.

While Dr. Faselis will be missed, the Washington DC V Medical Center team wishes him continued success as he embarks on this new VA chapter, now bringing his talents to Veterans on the West Coast. Farewell!