Research & Development
Under the Medical Center Director and Chief of Staff, the R&D Committee is responsible for maintaining high standards throughout the facility’s research and development program. These standards include the scientific quality of R&D projects, the protection of human rights, laboratory safety, and welfare of animals used in research.
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Human Studies
The Atlanta Research & Education Foundation and the Atlanta VA Medical Center have a cooperative agreement with the Emory University Institutional Review Board (IRB). All studies using human subjects must undergo review by the Emory IRB and evidence of approval must be forwarded to the Atlanta VA Medical Center before a project can commence at the hospital.
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Animal Studies
The Atlanta VA Medical Center IACUC serves as both a regulatory committee and a resource for investigators to utilize in developing their research protocols.The committee is responsible for oversight and evaluation of the animal care and use program and its components. Its functions include inspection of facilities; evaluation of programs and animal-activity areas; submission of reports to responsible institutional officials; review of proposed uses of animals in research, testing, or education; and establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.
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Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU)
Michael T. Fallon, DVM, PhD, dip. ACLAM., is the institutional veterinarian. He is the attending veterinarian and has primary responsibility for the 15,000 sq. ft. animal facility and the animal facility staff. He has 21 years of experience with laboratory animals (17 years of those as a veterinarian), and has an adjunct appointment as Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology in the Emory University School of Medicine. In August of 1998 he was also appointed the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Although occupying a VA Headquarters position, he remains stationed at the Atlanta VAMC and remains the attending veterinarian.
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Biohazard Use
The Atlanta VA Subcommittee on Research Safety (SRS) is responsible for reviewing all research activities involving biological, chemical, physical, and radiation hazards for compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines.
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Radioisotope Use
The Radiation Safety Program permits scientists and investigators to safely use radionuclides and certain radioactive sources under a license granted to the VAMC by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with oversight through the VA National Health Physics Program (NHPP).
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Training Requirements
Training requirements depend on the type(s) of research in which you will engage and the location of your research program. There are two categories of training requirements: those which must be completed once and those which must be retaken periodically.
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