Join a Study
Overview
Since its inception in 1925, VA Research has advanced medical knowledge to benefit Veterans and all Americans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ranks as one of the nation’s leaders in health research. Thousands of studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes each year. This research has made significant contributions to advancements in healthcare for Veterans.
100 Years of Impact
Throughout the last century, VA researchers have:
- Used microelectronics and microchips (very small electronic components), as well as robotics, to create artificial limbs (prostheses) that look, feel, and work more like natural arms and legs.
- Developed the nicotine patch to help people stop smoking.
- Implanted the first successful permanent cardiac pacemaker.
- Performed the first successful liver transplant.
- Played a major role in the development of the CAT (or CT) scan.
- Discovered a hormone that led to the development of GLP-1 diabetes drugs.
- Helped to develop new drugs and treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis.
These important health care advances are only possible because Veterans volunteered to take part in research projects.
What is a research study?
A research study is an organized way of learning more about a problem or answering a question. A research study may be done to:
- Understand health needs, concerns, or feelings people have about an illness or their general health.
- Test if a product, such as a drug or piece of equipment, is safe and effective.
- Determine the best way to treat or prevent an illness.
- Find out what health care practices work best.
Why participate?
Patients who participate in research have access to groundbreaking and cutting-edge treatment, including:
- New drug and device trials.
- New therapies and procedures to make medicine more effective and less invasive
- More personalized care to suit the patient's specific needs.
- Greater connectivity to their healthcare team, which includes research staff and physicians.
As an added benefit, it is a way for patients to further serve their fellow Veterans and all Americans by advancing science and medicine for future generations.
Like your medical record, the information in your research record will be kept confidential.
What if I do not want to take part in a research study?
- If you decide to take part in a study, you do so as a VOLUNTEER. This means YOU decide.
- If anyone asks you to take part in a research study, you have the right to say “no”.
- Your decision will not affect your VA health care or benefits.
- You need to weigh both the potential risks and potential benefits of the study.
- You can change your mind and leave the research study at any time without losing any of your VA health care benefits.
How can I get more information?
Send us a message using the form on this page and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Additionally, here are some other resources that you may find helpful:
- VA Office of Research and Development - Here you will find information on research currently being conducted at VA facilities nationwide, funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ClinicalTrials.gov - A database of clinical trials currently open in the United States and abroad. You can narrow the search parameters to your specific area of interest and location. If a trial is open at VA TVHS we can provide additional information.