The Office of Research and Development aspires to create a research environment that fosters scientific discovery, and thus improves the health of veterans and their families. The Research Healthcare Group mission and vision statements reflect the Healthcare System's mission and vision statements and strategic plan. Services provided by the Health Care Group are based on identified patient needs, and sound scientific practices.

The Research Office is led by Christ Reist, M.D., MBA, Associate Chief of Staff / Research and Development. Dr. Reist provides overall guidance through the office of the Chief of Staff.

Mission: Promote cooperation between the R&D Office and the investigator to facilitate scientific discover and new knowledge.

Vision: Create a research environment that fosters collaboration, integrity, creativity, innovation, scientific discovery, and economic prosperity.

All research, including research involving VA patients, requires stringent feasibility, resource, capacity, safety, and scientific review. The Research and Development Committee, having delegated responsibility for the integrity of research projects, must approve all projects at a properly convened meeting.