VA Maryland Health Care Names New Associate Chief of Staff of Education and Academic Affairs Share Article The VA Maryland Health Care System has named Dr. Ryan Scilla as the new associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs. In this position, Scilla oversees the strategic planning and implementation of health professional training programs, veterans’ health education, and the employee education and training program for the health care system. .The VA Maryland Health Care System has named Dr. Ryan Scilla as the new associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs. “We’re especially excited that Dr. Scilla brings his excitement for education to our team,” said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System.