Our Research

While providing high-quality health care to the nation’s Veterans, the VA also conducts research on some of the most difficult challenges facing medical science today. The VA is a world leader in research areas like aging, diabetes, cancer, women’s health, AIDS, stroke, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. VA research has improved medical care for Veterans and the nation.

VA researchers played key roles in developing the cardiac pacemaker, the CT scan, radioimmunoassay and improvements in artificial limbs. A VA surgeon-researcher performed the first liver transplant in the world. VA clinical trials established the effectiveness of new treatments for tuberculosis, schizophrenia and high blood pressure. The Seattle Foot, developed in the VA system, helps people with amputations to be able to run and jump. VA contributions to medical knowledge have won VA scientist many awards, including the Nobel Prize and the Lasker award.

Nearly 83% of VA researchers are practicing physicians. Because of their dual roles, VA research often immediately benefits patients. Functional electrical stimulation, a technology using controlled electrical currents to activate paralyzed muscles, is being developed at VA clinical facilities and laboratories throughout the country. Through this technology, paraplegic patients have been able to grasp objects, stand and even walk short distances.

Special VA Centers of Excellence throughout the nation conduct research in rehabilitation, health services and medical conditions, including AIDS, alcoholism, schizophrenia, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Multi-center clinical trials investigate the best therapy for various diseases. Current projects include testing aspirin therapy for heart patients, surgical treatment to reduce the risk of stroke and treatment options for prostate cancer. At the Phoenix VA Health Care System, we are committed to our role in research, which can lead to medical breakthroughs for all Americans.

The VA Office of Research and Development aspires to discover knowledge, develop VA researchers and health care leaders, and create innovations that advance health care for our Veterans and the nation.

The AVREF provides a flexible mechanism for the administration of research and education funds for projects that have been approved by the VA Research and Development or VA Education Committee. Such support for these projects from non-VA sources include:

Government entities (e.g., NIH, DoD)
Private sponsors (e.g. pharmaceutical companies)
Voluntary agencies
General donations
Other Non-Profit Organizations

Funds received by the AVREF for a particular research or education activity are accepted by the Foundation only if the responsible individual (Principal Investigator or Educator) holds a VA staff appointment. The AVREF, however, does not administer VA-appropriated funding or accept funds for personal gains and/or accomplishments.

The Foundation supports activities by purchasing supplies and equipment, paying salaries, supporting travel, and paying for other research and/or education activities to promote and support the research and educational missions at the Phoenix VA Health Care System.