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Due to staff departures from the Salida VA Clinic, the clinic hours will temporarily be reduced starting on October 7. The new clinic hours will be Tuesday-Thursday from 9am-12pm and 12:30-3:30pm. Lab draw appointments will be available on Tuesday mornings only.

Research

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Research Service aspires to discover knowledge, develop VA researchers and health care leaders, and create innovations that advance health care for Veterans and the nation. We strive to provide veterans with the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the continuing search for knowledge through research. Our goal is to use research in order to promote better health and healthcare for all.

Highlights

ECHCS Researchers awarded best original research

Doctors Maryam Tahmasbi Sohi, Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades, and Margaret E. Wierman, ECHCS researchers, shared the 2024 Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (FPM&R)/PM&R Best Original Research Award with a team from the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. The study investigated the effect of intraarticular corticosteroid injections, commonly used for joint pain, on male testosterone levels. The researchers found that testosterone levels returned to baseline four weeks after dropping in the first week. Importantly, shoulder pain and disability scores improved at both one and four weeks.

Major areas of biomedical laboratory and clinical sciences research include:

  • Acute & chronic kidney disease
  • Burn Trauma
  • Cardiology
  • Diabetes/Endocrinology
  • Geriatrics
  • Health services research
  • Infectious diseases
  • Mental health & Suicide prevention
  • Oncology & Hematology
  • Psychiatry & Psychology
  • Pulmonology
  • Substance abuse/Alternatives to opioids

Veterans can volunteer to participate in studies that are expected to make significant contributions to health care advancements. View studies under recruitment for Veterans in Colorado at ClinicalTrials.gov.

VA Research Core

VA Research Core facilities offer researchers access to cutting-edge instruments, technologies, services, as well as expert consultation and training. Learn more about the Eastern Colorado VA Research Core.

Research programs & labs

Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)

The goal of Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) is to improve the health of older Veterans through the development of innovative research, clinical and educational initiatives. Learn more about the Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center.

Neda Rasouli, M.D. - Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes

Our Clinical Trial Program is at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at transforming diabetes treatment and addressing its complications. Through our participation in numerous high-impact trials, we are shaping the future of care for individuals with diabetes and related conditions.

Key highlights of our program include:

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (STRIDE): Investigating semaglutide’s potential to improve mobility and walking distance in patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, addressing critical needs in vascular health.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (FLOW): Exploring semaglutide’s role in slowing the progression of renal impairment in individuals with type 2 diabetes, offering hope for those at risk of kidney complications.
  • Cardiovascular Outcomes (SOUL and SELECT): Examining the dual benefits of semaglutide in reducing major cardiovascular events in diabetic and non-diabetic populations, emphasizing its broader impact on heart health.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy (FOCUS): Evaluating the long-term effects of semaglutide on vision-threatening complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Comparative Effectiveness (GRADE): A multi-center trial assessing the long-term metabolic and clinical effects of various diabetes treatments in combination with metformin, providing valuable insights for personalized care.
  • Rare and Atypical Diabetes (RADIANT): Advancing knowledge of uncommon forms of diabetes to enhance diagnostic precision and individualized treatment strategies.
  • ACHIEVE-4: An open-label Phase 3 trial comparing the efficacy of LY3502970, a novel once-daily therapy, to insulin glargine in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight at increased cardiovascular risk. This study explores innovative approaches to glycemic control and weight management, addressing dual priorities in diabetes care.

Our program integrates cutting-edge research with patient-centered care, offering participants access to innovative therapies and contributing to the global understanding of diabetes management. Through these efforts, we remain dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans and shaping a healthier future for all. Meet the research team.

Rocky Mountain MIRECC (Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center) for Suicide Prevention

The mission of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC is to study suicide with the goal of reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors in the Veteran population. Towards this end, the work of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC is focused on promising clinical interventions, as well as the cognitive and neurobiological underpinnings of suicidal thoughts and behaviors that may lead to innovative prevention strategies.

The vision of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC is to increase information and treatment options available to Veterans, their families and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) so that care decisions and care provided are aimed at decreasing suicide risk.

Learn more about Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention.

Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation (COIN)

The Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation (COIN) for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care application builds on and advances the work of our investigators over the last 40 years conducting research and quality improvement efforts that have influenced clinical care, operations, and policy across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Our COIN’s mission is to:

  1. Conduct high-quality health systems research that promotes Veteran-centered and value-driven care.
  2. Disseminate knowledge that contributes to the well-being of Veterans.
  3. Work collaboratively with VHA policy and operational leaders to implement systems-focused research findings into clinical care.
  4. Train the next generation of health systems researchers.

Learn more about Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation (COIN).

 

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