5 things to know about VA nominee Ronny Jackson

Show Caption Hide Caption Doctor: Trump's overall health excellent President Donald Trump's overall health "is excellent" and he did "exceedingly well" on cognitive screening. That's according to his White House physician, Navy doctor Ronny Jackson. (Jan. 16)

President Trump announced Wednesday he's nominating Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson to replace David Shulkin as head of Veterans Affairs. Let's take a quick look at Jackson's background.

He's the White House doctor

Jackson, a Naval officer, has served as White House physician during the past three administrations of presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. He reported in January that Trump was in excellent health following the president's first checkup since taking office.

More: White House doctor: President Trump 'is in excellent health' and physical 'went exceptionally well'

He's a military man and Trump likes that

In announcing the change Wednesday, Trump said in a statement Jackson "is highly trained and qualified and as a service member himself, he has seen firsthand the tremendous sacrifice our veterans make and has a deep appreciation for the debt our great country owes them."

Jackson went into active naval service in 1995 after getting his medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch. He went on to become the honor graduate of the Navy’s Undersea Medical Officer Program in Groton, Conn., before getting more credentials in emergency medicine. During Operation Iraqi Freedom he served as a emergency doctor specializing in resuscitating troops in Iraq.

I am pleased to announce that I intend to nominate highly respected Admiral Ronny L. Jackson, MD, as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2018

Jackson was already up for a promotion

The Pentagon announced Friday that Jackson had been nominated to be promoted to rear admiral (upper half) from rear admiral (lower half). The nomination, which Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis announced, would give Jackson his second star and a bigger paycheck.

Both Democrats, Republicans respect him

Jackson has served both Democrat and Republican administrations and draws praise from each side.

When Jackson got some criticism for appearing a bit too enthusiastic about Trump's physical condition after his exam in January, Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to Obama, jumped to his defense via Twitter:

Dr. Jackson is a phenomenal doctor and a really great guy. He and his team took great care of all of us for many years — Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) January 16, 2018

On Wednesday, Alyssas Mastromonaco, former Obama deputy chief of staff, tweeted "there is no one better than ronny."

there is no one better than ronny. no one. he is a saint and patriot. https://t.co/rMTFZTdP2s — alyssa mastromonaco (@AlyssaMastro44) January 16, 2018

More: White House doctor: Trump healthy, passed cognitive assessment, but needs to lose weight and exercise

He told Trump the same thing your doctor says to you

Jackson told reporters at a briefing after the president's physical the same thing your doctor probably says to you. He said the 71-year-old, 239-pound president could use more exercise and a better diet that is lower in fat and carbohydrates. Trump, who is known to eat junk food and to avoid exercise beyond golf, is overweight and has set a "reasonable goal" of losing 10 to 15 pounds in the coming year and developing a regular fitness routine, Jackson said.

"He’s more enthusiastic about the diet part than the exercise part," Jackson added.

More: Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin is out, Trump announces by tweet

Contributing: David Jackson and Jayne O'Donnell. Follow Carolyn McAtee Cerbin on Twitter: @carolyncerbin