Richmond Institute for Veterans Research
(Formerly known as McGuire Research Institute, Inc.)
We invite you to learn about how we are exploring the possibilities through cutting-edge research, bringing quality care to our Veterans, and building a better future.
We are committed to providing quality health care to Veterans and offer opportunities for patients to participate in research-related clinical trials.
The cutting-edge research conducted at RIVR consists of laboratory studies, clinical studies, and health outcomes pertaining to a wide range of disease processes and conditions that affect Veterans as well as the general population.
At RIVR we support education and training for employee and patient related activities.
Latest Happenings
Research Week 2025
This year marks a monumental milestone—100 Years of VA Research!
Since 1925, VA researchers have been at the forefront of medical innovation, pioneering breakthroughs such as the first liver transplant, the development of the nicotine patch, and advancements in prosthetics and mental health care.
These efforts have not only transformed health care for Veterans but have also had a profound impact on medical science worldwide.
Join us in celebrating this centennial during National VA Research Week, observed from May 13–16, 2025.
Let's honor a century of dedication, discovery, and service to those who have served us.
2025 National VA Research Week Kick Off
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of VA Research with a special Research Week award presentation recognizing six significant investigators, May 13, from 1-2 p.m. ET. The ceremony showcases VA’s efforts to provide Veterans with the best possible care and latest health science developments, leading into Research Week events at local VA facilities nationwide.
The Monthly Buzz
This Mother’s Day, the Richmond Institute for Veterans Research honors the remarkable women who have served both as mothers and as Veterans—and the mothers who raised those who serve.
On behalf of our team and all Veterans, thank you for the role you play in the story of our nation’s freedom. Happy Mother’s Day!💐 ❤️
Happy Memorial Day from all of us at the Richmond Institute for Veterans Research. We honor and remember the brave men and women have served our country. Their sacrifices and dedication inspire us every day as we continue our mission to support veterans and their families. Thank you for your service.
Research Spotlights
Learn more about the dedicated individuals and teams at Richmond Institute for Veterans Research who are committed to advancing research for the benefit of our veterans.
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In honor of this past April, we proudly highlight two outstanding team members who exemplify the power of interdisciplinary collaboration:
Dr. John Hermansen is a physician working to combine medicine and engineering at the frontier of prosthetic innovation. With a clinical eye honed on real-world rehab and a maker’s hand in the lab, he designs, tests, and builds next-gen solutions for limb loss.
Melissa Oliver, OT has helped to establish the Assistive Technology Program in 2009 (only 1 of 5 dedicated AT Programs in VHA). As an occupational therapist, she educated other rehabilitation therapists on the benefits of 3D printing as tool to assist in meeting our Veteran’s goals and customizing solutions.
Together, their work bridges innovation and compassionate care—helping Veterans living with limb loss reclaim independence and improve their quality of life through cutting-edge research and personalized technology.
Their partnership reflects our commitment to a whole-health approach, combining research, technology, and personalized care. From developing new prosthetic solutions to training Veterans on the latest assistive tools, these teams are changing lives every day.
We thank both of these exceptional employees—and their departments—for their dedication to advancing Veteran care. Your work honors the service of those who served.
We are proud to recognize and thank the dedicated team at Richmond’s Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center (PADRECC) for their exceptional work in advancing care for Veterans living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
Through an interdisciplinary team approach, PADRECC provides comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses the unique and complex needs of each Veteran. Their commitment to clinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and education is helping to shape the future of Parkinson’s treatment within the VA and beyond.
Thank you, PADRECC, for your continued dedication to improving the lives of those who served. Your work truly embodies our mission and values.
Richmond's Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) integrates an interdisciplinary team approach to care for those with movement disorders. The team includes movement disorder specialists, nurses, social workers, neurosurgeons, sleep neurologists, assistive technology, vision rehab, palliative care, chaplain, research coordinator, and several therapies (physical, occupational, kinesio, speech). The PADRECC currently has two primary studies. One is VetPD: The Veteran's Parkinson's Disease Initiative. The aim of this study is to gather genetic and environmental exposure data from patients with Parkinson’s Disease, to aide our understanding of what contributes to the disease. The second study looks at the Feasibility and Safety of a Portable Exoskeleton to Improve Mobility in Parkinson's Disease. This study is using the Keeogo exoskeleton by B-Temia to assess if this type of device would be safe and reasonable to use with PD. More research and quality projects are in the works, particularly with a focus to help patients remain active.
🔬 VA Research News & Advancements
Over the last few months, NAVREF has been collaborating with the global market research firm Ipsos on a project to collect data regarding Veterans’ perceptions of VA research. This groundbreaking survey conducted by Ipsos in partnership with NAVREF, highlights the OVERWHELMING veteran (and American public) support for research conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Article from Ipsos: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/americans-support-va-research-better-veteran-care-and-medical-advancements
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NAVREF Press Release: https://navref.org/Advocacy/13495369
Voice of the Veteran: What Inspires Us
Through this powerful new series, NAVREF will shine a spotlight on veterans who have
contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements by taking part in clinical research at the VA. Click the link below to read these impactful stories and learn what inspires us to continue our work with VA Research.
OUR PATIENTS SAY...
"Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Vitamin D Supplementation of Bone
I really enjoyed participating in the program. I have benefited from the exercise and training a great deal I had muscle atrophy in my legs and torso area from my injury 27 years ago but I can feel more muscle mass in my calves,thighs, and buttocks, also me being a T1 C8 paraplegic, my stomach muscles don't work making it bigger and since I started the study my stomach and waist size has gotten smaller I lost 3 and a 1/2 pounds I feel that overall I'm healthier at the present than at the start of the study. I hope that my participation in the study will help someone else as well. "
"Participating in the research last conducted I hope helped the team learn and find avenues to help people who need blood thinners. I hope my being a part helped to find a better solution."
