About Us

The research program at the VA Iowa City Health Care System (ICHCS) has been active for over 50 years and has consistently been one of the top ten VA facilities nationwide in terms of funding for research. Presently there are approximately 55 VA-funded projects and 200 active research protocols. Specialized areas of research expertise include the biology of inflammation, diabetic vascular disease, cancer, and immunology. The ICHCS is the recipient of one five-year Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) and a Gulf War Special Initiative. In addition to a successful biomedical and clinical research program, the ICHCS has been very active in both the  Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) and the  Rehabilitation Research and Development (RR&D) programs. HSR&D projects include a Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) which focuses on rural health, telehealth and e-health strategies, patient-centered behavioral and self-management interventions, nursing health research, and evidence-based infection prevention. RR&D projects include a VA Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Vision Loss that was awarded in 2009.  The Center will receive $5 million over five years in support of this research.  In 2008, the ICHCS was selected as the lead site of one of 3 Rural Health Resource Centers funded by the VA Office of Rural Health. In 2010, VISN 23 was one of five sites selected as a PACT Demonstration Lab with Iowa City as the lead site.  Other patient-focused research includes clinical trials that explore new treatments for cancer, kidney, and liver diseases. The research program has full accreditation by AAHRPP for its human research protection program and by AAALAC for its animal care and use programs.  In response to the needs OEF/OIF veterans, our investigators have developed new projects to understand better ways to manage patients with traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder.   We continue to aggressively pursue new investigators and ensure relevance to the VA mission to maintain our success. The construction of a third research building was completed in December 2010.  The new building will enhance the research program and lead to more efficient and collaborative space.

Leadership

Associate Chief of Staff:
Mark Yorek, PhD

Administrative Officer:
Kari Steinkamp 

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