Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration: Bedford VA Research Week Recap

The VA Bedford Healthcare System (VA Bedford HCS) community came together on May 14^th to celebrate VA Research Week, an annual event recognizing the groundbreaking work of investigators and the essential partnerships that make research at the VA possible. Sponsored by the Bedford VA Research Corporation, Inc. (BRCI), this year’s gathering highlighted innovative, Veteran‑centered studies and honored the teamwork that drives progress across the medical center.

The Healing Power of Purpose

Justeen Hyde, PhD, presented her research on the transformative effects of helping Veterans explore their personal goals—what many describe as identifying their “Why” or “What Matters Most” to them. Dr. Hyde discussed how focusing on Veterans’ strengths and goals over deficits and problems sets a positive tone for their treatment and enhances Whole Health care. Her work highlights the profound impact the Whole Health approach makes by providing new ways of connecting with Veterans, creating greater engagement in care, and improving health outcomes.

Advancing End‑of‑Life Care Through Virtual Reality

Megan Gately, PhD, and Kristen Dillon, PsyD, introduced their innovative work using virtual reality (VR) to support Veterans living with dementia as a component of end-of-life care. Their presentation described how immersive VR experiences can offer comfort, reduce distress, and create moments of familiarity and connection for Veterans and their families. The project demonstrates how integrating VR can enhance end-of-life care even for the most compromised patients.

Exploring How Social and Economic Factors Shape Mental Health

Brian Stevenson, PhD, shared insights from his research on understanding how social and economic conditions influence mental health. Dr. Stevenson emphasized the importance of addressing these determinants “upstream” by designing health‑system models that respond not only to clinical needs, but also to the broader social contexts shaping Veteran well‑being. His work is helping to create more responsive, holistic systems of care.

Recognizing Excellence and Collaboration

The event concluded with the presentation of awards by Barrett Franklin, MS, MBA, FACHE, CCE, Executive Director, VA Bedford HCS, and Carmen Mincy, Executive Director, BRCI, recognizing outstanding achievements across the medical center. Eight honorees; Danielle Parilla; Lisa Holm, RN; Ana Fulcher, LICSW; Rachelle Calixte, PhD; Jessica Mack, Samuel Baptiste, John Dubuc, and Kevin Sargent, were celebrated for their dedication to research excellence and for fostering strong, effective collaboration between clinical and research teams. These partnerships provide a critical connection that translates research into meaningful improvements to Veteran care

Looking Ahead

This year’s Research Week underscored the ongoing commitment of VA Bedford HCS investigators, clinicians, staff, and partners to advancing knowledge and improving the lives of Veterans. From exploring social drivers of health, to supporting purpose‑driven care, to bringing cutting‑edge technologies to the bedside, the work showcased reflects a shared mission: delivering the highest quality care informed by science, compassion, and innovation.