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VA Boston researcher among six to be honored by VA Secretary for Research Week 2023

PRESS RELEASE

May 4, 2023

BOSTON , MA — WHAT: The Honorable Denis McDonough, 11th VA Secretary, will lead the 2023 Research Week Kickoff in a ceremony recognizing six investigators for their significant contributions to discovering medical breakthroughs and supporting healthy outcomes for America’s Veterans.

WHO: Six research investigators to be honored...

  • Dr. Samantha Connolly, health services researcher at the VA Boston Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, for her work in expanding VA’s telehealth services during the pandemic and beyond.
  • Dr. Rory Cooper, director and founder of Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Pittsburgh, for his innovations in mobility technology.
  • Dr. Donna Washington, staff physician at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, for her advancements in health care needs to underserved populations.
  • Dr. Ziad Al-Aly, chief of research at the VA St. Louis Healthcare System, for his work identifying the increased risks of Long COVID.
  • Dr. Nicholas Nickols, chief of service for radiation oncology at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, for his innovations in prostate cancer therapy.
  • Dr. Elizabeth Yano, director and co-founder of the VA Women’s Health Research Network, Los Angeles, for her work to improve Women Veterans health care.

WHY: Last year, VA’s Office of Research and Development oversaw more than $2.2 billion of research by nearly 3,700 scientists at more than 100 sites nationwide.  VA’s scientific investigations seek to discover causes and treatments for a multitude of medical conditions, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, chemical exposures, cardiovascular disorders, mental health disorders, and traumatic brain injuries. Studies also evaluate and improve social health equity, patient satisfaction, and clinical processes at VA.

WHEN: 1:00 p.m., EST, Tuesday, May 9.

WHERE: G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery room at the Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20420 and live streamed at https://site-65402117.bcvp0rtal.com.

RSVP: Bruce Friedland, Media Relations chief at bruce.friedland@va.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Learn more about National VA Research Week, recent studies, or opportunities for Veterans to enroll in research programs.  

Media contacts

Winfield Danielson, Public Affairs Officer

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