NASHVILLE (AP) — A Nashville health care executive has been named as a special adviser to Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson.

WPLN-FM (http://bit.ly/1pPuzFY) reports Jonathan Perlin is taking a 60-day leave from his position as chief medical officer of HCA.

Perlin's appointment comes as the VA faces complaints that thousands of veterans have endured long waits for appointments and poor medical care.

A statement from the agency says Perlin will be part of a team "accelerating access to care and rebuilding trust with veterans."

HCA is comparable in size to the VA. Both have roughly the same number of hospitals and clinics around the country.

In a news release, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper praised Perlin's appointment, calling him "extraordinary."

Perlin previously served as VA undersecretary for health.