VA Research Week:
Turning Hope into Reality

"Turning Hope into Reality" was the theme this year during VA Research Week. VA Research Week is a national program, kicking off in Washington D.C. and crossing the country to local VA Medical Centers, that celebrates the achievements of VA researchers in providing high quality care for veterans, advancing medical science and, appreciating those who participate in research programs. The Cleveland FES Center was honored to participate in both programs.

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National Program

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs celebrated National VA Research Week May 3-9, 2009 in Washington D.C. This celebration included many events highlighting VA Researchers from Cleveland and around the country and, veteran research participant presentations focusing on individual stories of achievement. Army Major General David Blackledge spoke about his suffering from PTSD and how it was affecting his personal life. After attempting to handle the PTSD on his own, the Major's wife encouraged him to go to the VA Medical Center for help. The assistance he received from the VA allowed him to recapture his life in the manner in which he was accustomed. The presentations were captivating and moving as the veterans shared their stories of realizing their independence and goals once again due to VA research programs.

Highlights of VA Research Week included:

• News Conference & Senate Committee Briefing
• Research programs of the FES Center were presented at the briefing through poster presentations
• FES Center exhibited the latest hardware display of electrodes and implant technology to those attending the briefing

• Keynote presentation was given by Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday. Dr. Shinseki also debuted the latest Research video presentation to be used to highlight VA research going forward
• FES Center hands-on exhibit including the latest hardware technology

Congressional Reception was held later in the week providing time for researchers and veteran participants to meet and discuss the current programs taking place in the VA research program.

Local Program

The Cleveland Louis Stokes DVA Medical Center celebrated Research Week with a number of events highlighting research programs taking place at the VA. Events for the week including: VA research scientific poster displays, a research participant presentation hosted by Dr. Janis Daly, the Cleveland FES Center Ribbon-Cutting and the Neural Prosthesis Seminar. In partnership with the Cleveland VA RR&D the Cleveland FES Center hosted:

A presentation for current and potential volunteers and their families/caregivers was given by research volunteers sharing their experiences in their respective research programs. Dr. Janis Daly moderated this event. The event was very well attended by veteran's and their families. Also in attendance was the chapter president and leaders of the local Paralyzed Veteran's Association (PVA).

A celebration and official ribbon-cutting of the new Cleveland FES Center research facilities. The FES Center was honored to have Dr. Murray Altose, Chief of Staff, Cleveland Louis Stokes DVAMC and Dr. Audrey Kusiak, Scientific Program Manager, VA RR&D participate in opening the New FES Center Labs and Programs. Also, in attendance was the Buckeye Chapter PVA, along with numerous research participants of the Cleveland FES Center.

Dr. Jerry Vitek presented: "Deep Brain Stimulation: Clinical Applications and Mechanizations of Action" to a full-house of scientists, clinicians, students and staff. Dr. Vitek is a leader in this field of research and his presentation was very insightful which led to a lively question and answer period.

Research progresses as a partnership between scientists and research volunteers. Participating in a research study is a great demonstration of trust and passion. Without the many people that are currently involved in our research studies, research could not progress. We deeply thank these individuals for their passion, commitment, and invaluable feedback.

The Cleveland FES Center Official Ribbon-Cutting

After many years and much growth within the Cleveland FES Center, Dr. P. Hunter Peckham, director of the FES Center was honored to officially open the New Cleveland FES Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center. Drs. Murray Altose, Chief of Staff and, Audrey Kusiak, Scientific Program Manager, VA RR&D were on hand to assist in the official ribbon-cutting. "This new dedicated space will allow us to continue to drive the leading edge of FES research". Dr. Peckham noted.

The new FES Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center is approximately 9,000 square feet of new contiguous labs and office space for investigators. In this space the FES Center has labs dedicated to Stroke and Motor Control studies, Prosthetics and Robotic studies, Neural Engineering, Swallowing, Tissue Integrity, Brain Control Interface and Urology studies. In addition to laboratories, there are also new offices for investigators, staff and students. The laboratory space is located off the new "Main Street" area. When the Care towers are completed this will be the Main passage way from the towers to the main building.

Uniting the many FES Center labs to one central location allows for greater collaboration within the core group of surgeons, physicians, researchers, engineers, clinical therapists and students working together with research volunteers to enhance the independence and quality of life for veterans and civilians.

Visit our website at www.FEScenter.org to learn more about the research programs at the Cleveland FES Center.