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.
VA outperforms community care in cardiovascular treatments
VA Eastern Colorado researcher, Dr. Stephen Waldo, was part of a national team that learned cardiovascular care in VA is better in six critical areas than the same care in the community. Data from PubMed literature between 2000 and 2024 showed Veterans receiving cardiovascular care in VA:
- experienced shorter wait times for care,
- fewer deaths from heart failure and heart attacks,
- lower mortality for elective procedures to open clogged or blocked arteries,
- fewer readmissions after surgery for coronary heart disease, and
- better care for type 2 diabetes.
- VA and community care had similar results for minimally invasive surgery related to heart valves.
VA provides care to approximately 9 million Veterans, and almost 50% have some form of cardiovascular disease. Researchers said two likely factors were VA’s Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking program (CART), which continuously improves the quality and safety of medical programs such as cardiology; and the VA National Cardiac Device Surveillance Program, which provides remote monitoring of patients, thereby reducing rehospitalizations and improving patient satisfaction. (JACC Advances, Feb. 4, 2025)
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:
- Conduct high-quality health systems research that promotes Veteran-centered and value-driven care.
- Disseminate knowledge that contributes to the well-being of Veterans.
- Work collaboratively with VHA policy and operational leaders to implement systems-focused research findings into clinical care.
- Train the next generation of health systems researchers.