The Charlie Norwood VAMC has a very active and diversified research program that significantly influences the recruitment and retention of highly specialized clinical staff. The research facilities are located on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor of the “B” wing of the downtown VAMC.
The Research Department establishes interactions with clinicians and scientists who are interested in conducting research. The research laboratories are fully equipped for conducting translational, clinical and rehabilitation research. Currently, there are 37 research investigators involved in 58 active research projects with funding support provided by the VA, National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD) and other government agencies and a myriad of industry sponsored studies. Research is also supported by donations from agencies and foundations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary.
Research projects are geared to address health issues of Veterans. Areas of research include: Alzheimer’s, Cardiology, Diabetic Retinopathy, Geriatrics, Mental Health, Neurology, Renal Injury, Schizophrenia, Spinal Cord Injury, Skin Cancer, Stem Cell Research, Stroke, Urology and Urologic Oncology. The Research Department is accredited by both AAHRPP (Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Program) and AAALAC (Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care).
The Augusta Biomedical Research Corporation (ABRC) is a non-profit corporation that is involved in facilitating VA research. ABRC is responsible for submitting applications for funding to non-VA sources and managing the funds.