Miami VA Healthcare System

Research Service

VA Marks 85 Years of “Discovery, Innovation and Advancement”

Researchers at the Miami VA Healthcare System Have Brought Hope to Generations. Our very own Dr. Andrew Schally, Dr. Robert Gailey and Dr. Michael Norenberg are among the recognized VA Researchers. Read the Spring 2010 VA Research Today*.

About the Program

The Miami VA Research Service has approximately 95 active principal investigators and supports approximately 170 additional non-investigator personnel, including VA and non-VA employees. Investigators have worked on over 200 active research projects and generated approximately 200 publications and presentations. All of the principal investigators at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center also hold faculty appointments at our affiliate, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine**. Our VA funding exceeds $6 million annually, with an additional similar amount from non-VA sources.

Major Projects

Endocrine Polypeptide and Cancer Institute

Nobel Laureate Dr. Andrew V. Schally

Cooperative Studies on Diabetes and Epilepsy

Dr. Carlos Abraira and Dr. Jennifer Marks are conducting a seven-year, multi-site study focusing on the relationship of the treatment of the complications of diabetes.

Spinal Cord Injury Center for Excellence

Drs. Mary Eaton, Eva Widerstrom-Noga, and Alberto Martínez are heading a study on new treatments to ameliorate pain and improve quality of life for spinal cord injured patients.

Geriatric Research, Educational, and Clinical Center’s Aging Studies

Laboratory studies include research on bone and cartilage metabolism, prostate disease, and neurodegeneration.

Neuroscience Studies

Dr. Michael Norenberg investigates cellular mechanisms involved in brain cell degeneration; Dr. Micheline McCarthy focuses on the effect of HIV on neuronal cells; and, Dr. John Hackman investigates different patterns in gene expressions of cells activated by GABA.

Other Studies

Dr. Nancy Klimas, clinical HIV/AIDS research, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Persian Gulf illness; Dr. Robert Gailey, evidence-based amputee rehabilitation and biomechanical gain analysis of amputees during locomotion; Drs. Leopoldo Raij and Edgar James, hypertension and renal disorders; Dr. Eric Greidinger, arthritis research.

Contact Information

For further information about the Miami VA's Research program, visit the South Florida Foundation for Research & Education** website.