Research
The Division of General Internal Medicine conducts a broad spectrum of research through the Center for Research on Health Care (CRHC) and the VA’s Center for Healthcare Evaluation, Research, and Promotion (CHERP). CRHC brings together interdisciplinary investigators to pursue high-impact studies in health services and implementation science, while CHERP focuses on improving the quality and equity of healthcare for Veteran populations. Together, these centers provide infrastructure for rigorous research, foster innovative approaches, and support the training and development of the next generation of clinical and translational scientists through programs like the Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE).
Research within the division spans multiple thematic areas, addressing critical challenges in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Investigators explore addiction and substance use, chronic health conditions, digital health and technology, medical decision-making, palliative care, pharmaceutical policy, Veterans health, and women’s health. Studies employ diverse methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, qualitative methods, and implementation science, to inform evidence-based, patient-centered care. Across these domains, the division emphasizes health equity, system-level improvement, and the translation of research into practical interventions that enhance outcomes for diverse populations.
Through these efforts, the Division of General Internal Medicine integrates methodological rigor, clinical insight, and innovative approaches to address complex healthcare challenges. Faculty work collaboratively to develop novel interventions, optimize care delivery, and evaluate policy and system-level changes, with the overarching goal of advancing the science of health services research and improving the health and well-being of patients, Veterans, and communities both locally and globally.
Addiction Medicine
Through innovative, multidisciplinary research, the division is addressing the urgent challenges of substance use and addiction, from prevention and treatment to harm reduction and recovery. Faculty investigate the behavioral, clinical, and systemic factors that shape substance use and recovery, employing methods ranging from qualitative inquiry to advanced data analytics and implementation science. Current studies explore predictors of opioid and other substance use disorders, barriers to accessing evidence-based treatment, and strategies to reduce overdose risk and stigma. Researchers are also developing digital and behavioral interventions, evaluating prescribing practices, and designing harm reduction programs to improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected by addiction. Together, this work aims to inform equitable, patient-centered approaches to substance use care across diverse populations and healthcare settings.
Chronic Health Conditions
Research on chronic health conditions within the division focuses on improving prevention, management, and outcomes for patients living with long-term illnesses. Faculty study a wide spectrum of conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, and mental health disorders, through approaches that integrate clinical research, health services evaluation, behavioral science, and digital health innovation. Ongoing work addresses medication safety and adherence, health system redesign, and the role of social and behavioral factors in managing complex, comorbid conditions. Across these efforts, investigators share a commitment to advancing equitable, patient-centered strategies that enhance quality of life and promote better health across diverse populations.
Clinical Trial Design and Analytics
Faculty advancing clinical trial design and analytics within the CRHC develop and apply innovative quantitative methods to improve the rigor, efficiency, and equity of health research. Their expertise spans randomized controlled trials, large-scale observational studies, and advanced statistical modeling, including machine learning, causal inference, and psychometrics. Through the Biostatistics Core, faculty provide critical support for study design, data management, and analysis across diverse clinical and behavioral domains, ensuring that research findings are both methodologically sound and clinically meaningful.
Digital Health and Technology
Research in digital health and technology within the division focuses on harnessing behavioral science, data analytics, and innovative digital tools to improve the delivery and equity of healthcare. Faculty develop and evaluate mobile apps, web-based interventions, and machine learning–driven decision support systems to enhance patient engagement, support clinical decision-making, and optimize care for chronic and complex conditions. Ongoing projects explore the use of social media for health communication and recruitment, digital platforms for women’s health and pain management, and the integration of digital tools into electronic health records. Collectively, this work aims to bridge gaps between patients and providers, personalize care through technology, and strengthen health systems for diverse populations.
Medical Decision-Making
Research in medical decision-making within the division explores how patients, clinicians, and health systems make choices that shape care and outcomes. Drawing from disciplines such as psychology, statistics, and health services research, faculty investigate both the rational and behavioral aspects of decision processes. Current studies address topics including informed consent, risk communication, shared decision making, cost-effectiveness analysis, and the use of predictive analytics to guide individualized treatment decisions. Together, this work advances the science of medical decision-making and informs strategies to support evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Palliative Care
Pharmaceutical Policies
Veteran’s Health
Research on Veteran health at the VA Section of General Internal Medicine is led by the Center for Healthcare Evaluation, Research, and Promotion (CHERP), a VA-designated Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence. CHERP faculty apply multidisciplinary expertise to understand and improve healthcare outcomes for Veterans, leveraging clinical and social science perspectives across a wide range of specialties. Investigators employ diverse methods, including clinical trials, observational studies, health economics, qualitative research, and advanced data analytics, to inform evidence-based care, optimize health system performance, and support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered services to Veterans.