OUR WORK
The advancement of healthcare through research innovation.
BREFSA is crucial to supporting VA research
VA healthcare advancements have led to numerous breakthroughs in medicine that have paved the way for everyday care of patients across the world. The dedicated clinicians and staff at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) in Tucson, Arizona, can participate in research advancements and share in these advancements right here in Arizona. Like the VA, BREFSA’s goals are not motivated by financial gains; BREFSA’s mission is purely for the support of research at SAVAHCS and advancements in healthcare for Veterans in Southern Arizona.
BREFSA needs your help to sustain the research infrastructure at SAVAHCS. With community support, BREFSA can continue to attract new, talented researchers and bring the best care to Veterans in Southern Arizona.
Please help support BREFSA’s efforts to increase research in Southern Arizona. SUPPORT >
Extraordinary Advances Made Possible Through VA Research
Since 1925, VA research and countless volunteer participants have contributed to many important advances in health care, including:
- The development of microelectronics and robotics to create artificial limbs that look, feel, and work more like natural arms and legs.
- The creation of the nicotine patch to help people stop smoking.
- Inventing the cardiac pacemaker.
- Performing the first successful liver transplant.
- Contributing to the development of the CAT (or CT) scan.
- Developing new drugs and treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis.
Click here to read a detailed history of VA research accomplishments.
Watch this 2010 video covering the history of VA research, and see the amazing advances that make Veterans’ lives better every day.
Work Supported By BREFSA
Funding for Engaged Staff
“It is only through the work and partnership of dedicated researchers, and through the participation of patients in clinical research that we are able to bring new and promising medical advancements to our world.
Medical Research is one of the cornerstones of VA healthcare, and is responsible for such innovative discoveries such as the CT scan — a diagnostic tool now used worldwide.
Research gives us the opportunity to take part in the decisions that shape our healthcare world and to literally be a part of a solution or a cure. There can be no greater reward!”
-Benita Duarte
Clinical Research Coordinator, BREFSA Employee
What is Research?
A research study is an organized activity to learn more about a problem or answer questions. Many different kinds of studies are conducted at the Tucson VA. Examples of research studies include:
- Studies testing if a product, such as a drug or medical equipment, is safe and effective.
- Studies to find out what health care practices work best.
- Studies to determine the best way to treat an illness, or how to prevent an illness.
- Studies using a survey or an interview to understand health needs, problems, or feelings people have about an illness or their general health.
Learn about the work that some of our talented researchers are doing.
Spotlight >
The protection of Veteran participants in SAVAHCS research is fundamental to the integrity of the progress, discoveries and rewards achieved through research. BREFSA plays a crucial role in supporting the operation of a multifaceted research oversight and compliance system. These activities ensure that ethical, scientific and regulatory standards are upheld during every step of the process. The support that BREFSA provides to ensure research integrity include:
- Funding knowledgeable support staff to ensure that researchers have adequate personnel to start and run research projects. These staff include experts in finding grant funding, writing protocols, performing statistical analyses, coordinating daily research activities, and managing administrative activities.
- Providing support funding for operations, staff and education for oversight boards that perform scientific, ethical, and regulatory review of SAVAHCS research.
