Overview
The South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education (SFVAFRE) is a non-profit research corporation originally established in May of 1990 to support the Research Service of the Miami VA Healthcare System (MVAHCS) as a conduit for non-appropriated extramural research funding.

It is a self-sustaining Internal Revenue Service designated non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation that derives its administrative operational funding from fees, donations and investment interest. Its research activities are conducted in accordance with FL 100-322 and VA regulations.  Projects conducted under the aegis of the Foundation are subject to the same reviews by the MVAHCS Research and Development Committee and its Subcommittees as projects utilizing VA intramural funds.

The Foundation expends funds in support of the general research and educational activities at the MVAHCS as mandated by its Charter and Mission, and as recommended by its Board of Directors. 


Mission
To identify and facilitate cooperative arrangements between VA clinician-investigators and non-VA sources of funding for the purpose of supporting clinician-investigators-educators at the Miami VA Healthcare System in the conduct of research and education that integrates clinical needs and research inquiry so as to enhance the quality of health care delivery to veterans, their families, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the general public.

Goals

• The continuous support of important research topics that facilitate VA research, education, and the enhancement of quality patient care.
• Enhancing the acquisition of new knowledge and development of new techniques and products leading to improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and management of disease and disability.
• Providing a stimulating intellectual environment favoring the recruitment, retention, and continuing professional growth of its staff.
• Contributing to the development of a nucleus of clinician-investigators who are capable of conducting meaningful and productive biomedical research.
• Enhancing educational programs that support the furthering of knowledge and understanding of medical science for our veteran population as well as the general public.

Focus:

• To identify and facilitate cooperative arrangements between VA clinician-investigators and non-VA sources of funding to sustain Foundation goals.
• To administer and manage private and public non-VA grants (extramural funds) for research and education.
• To provide additional resources for use by clinician-investigators to fulfill Foundation goals.
• To assist in the operation and maintenance of common resource research facilities.

Monies spent in focus areas may take the form of purchases of common use equipment, hiring of temporary research assistants, assistance with conference travel expenses, and publication costs for research reports.  The Foundation may also sponsors visiting lecturers and scientific colloquia of broad and specialized interests.  It may provide start-up or supplemental funds for investigators to discover or verify knowledge relating to the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, or control of diseases of special concern.  

Research Emphasis

• Basic Science
• Cardiology & Cardiovascular Disorders
• Endocrinology & Metabolism
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatrics
• Health & Home Services
• Hematology & Oncology
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases & Immunology
• Nephrology & Hypertension
• Neurology & Neurobiology
• Neurosurgery & Spinal Cord Injuries
• Pathology
• Pulmonary & Respiratory Diseases
• Psychiatry & Mental Health
• Rehabilitation & Rehabilitative Medicine
• Surgery & Anesthesia
• Urology