The chief of staff to Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), whose outburst during President Obama's health care address to the nation earlier this week surprised many, took a pause in his government duties over the past two years and worked as a health care lobbyist.
W. Eric Dell served as Wilson's chief of staff from 2001 until the end of 2006. In 2007 and most of 2008, he represented clients including Cedaron Medical Inc, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Doctors Company while working for the Keelen Group. In 2008, he came back to work for Congress, once again as Wilson's chief of staff.
According to his financial disclosures, Dell made over $300,000 in 2007 and 2008 as a lobbyist. In lobbying disclosures bearing his name, he is reported to have worked on issues "related to medical malpractice reform," and "issues pertaining to reducing the costs of quality healthcare." One of the first bills Dell lobbied on after leaving Rep. Wilson's office was Sen. Tom Coburn's (R-Okla.) 2007 Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act.
While Dell was taking a break from his government duties, he was replaced by Sandeep "Dino" Teppara. Teppara currently works as a health care representative too, heading the legislative affairs operation of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.
