Wilson Testifies on VA Research
Facilities
April 26, 2002- Donald Wilson, M.D., vice president
for medical affairs, University of Maryland and dean of the
School of Medicine, testified
April 24 before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on
Health on the value of VA research facilities to academic
affiliations. Dr. Wilson, immediate past chair of the AAMC
Council of Deans, testified on behalf of the AAMC. Dr. Wilson's
statement focused on the need for a dedicated funding stream
for the renovation of existing VA research facilities that
does not directly compete with clinical construction needs.
Dr. Wilson's testimony included numerous examples of needed
renovations at VA medical centers as well as examples of situations
where partnerships between VA and the academic affiliate have
led to benefits greater than either partner could have expected
alone. However, he noted that some affiliations have had difficulties
in attracting top-quality researchers because of the dilapidated
state of the VA research facilities, and others have stopped
responding to program announcements because their facilities
would be unable to adequately house the research. Dr. Wilson
testified that the research enterprise "would be well-served
if the Subcommittee supported a separate funding stream that
would be dedicated to upgrading and improving existing research
facilities." He concluded by stating that for "affiliations
to work with the highest possible efficiency it is necessary
for the facilities in which the research is conducted to be
state-of-the-art."
Also on the research panel with Dr. Wilson was Antonio Laracuente,
chairman of the National Association of Veterans' Research
and Education Foundations, who testified on behalf of the
Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research. Mr. Laracuente
also supported the idea of a separate funding stream for research
facility improvements, stating that he believes "VA is
reaching a crisis point at many facilities across the country."
The hearing was intended to focus attention on H.R.
4514, the "Veterans' Major Medical Facilities Construction
Act of 2002." Sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman Jerry
Moran (R-Kan.) and Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-Calif.), the
bill provides a new authorization for VA to carry out construction
projects to improve, renovate and update patient care facilities.
While not providing a separate funding stream, the bill does
include research facilities in the list of criteria for minor
construction projects and increases authorization of minor
construction projects from $4 million to $6 million.
Information:
Jonathan Fishburn, Director, Research, Education and Veterans' Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
jfishburn@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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