Associate Chief of Stafffor Research & Development

Associate Chief of Stafffor Research & Development

Lynn Pulliam, MS, PhD

ACOS/R&D, SFVAMC

Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, UCSF

Crucial RelationshipsCrucial Relationships

• Medical Center Director

• Chief of Staff

• Nonprofit CEO

• Academic Affiliate

CollaborationsCollaborations

NonprofitNonprofit DODDOD

AffiliateAffiliate

ACOS/R&D ResponsibilitiesACOS/R&D Responsibilities• Foster a high quality research program• Run a smooth research office that is PI friendly• Oversee research space/ renovations/ planning• Prioritize equipment /Core needs• Establish a mentoring program• In large VA Research Programs, need

1-2 Deputy ACOS/R&D• Maintain own research program

AND• Establish and oversee Research Compliance• Responsible for research biosafety, safety, animal,

human and cyber security compliance

If Only It Were This Easy…If Only It Were This Easy…

ACOS/R&D ResponsibilitiesMentoring Program

ACOS/R&D ResponsibilitiesMentoring Program

• Grant Writing Workshops

• Leadership Workshops

• Encourage Career Development Awards

• Encourage Career Scientist Applications

ACOS/R&D ResourcesACOS/R&D Resources

• Has No discretionary money!

• Receives 101 funds from CO based on VA-funded research to run RAO

• Depends on Director and nonprofit to help fund research needs

• Unfunded compliance mandates need discussions with ACOS/R&D, Director, COS and nonprofit CEO

ACOS/R&D and Medical Center Director

ACOS/R&D and Medical Center Director

• Think of ACOS/R&D as part of Leadership - “Pentad”

• Hire the right ACOS/R&D and trust him/her

• Keep engaged with research activities

• Monitor ACOS/R&D performance

ACOS/R&D and Medical Center Director (continued)

ACOS/R&D and Medical Center Director (continued)

• Plan for use of VERA funds

• Help with unfunded research compliance mandates

• Support research infrastructure and space needs

ACOS/R&D and Chief of StaffACOS/R&D and Chief of Staff

• Recruitment of clinician/scientists

• Advocate for new positions and faculty

• Advocate for research reorganization

• Shares research vision

ACOS/R&D and NonprofitACOS/R&D and Nonprofit

• VA research vision must be set by the VA, not the nonprofit

• Nonprofit is integral in building VA research

• ACOS/R&D and COS are on Executive Committee and Board of Directors

• Nonprofit helps with infrastructure and personnel support

• Nonprofit helps with unfunded compliance mandates

• Helps with recruitments

• Must be on the same page to be successful

Benefits of a Successful Research Program

Benefits of a Successful Research Program

• Recruit the best physicians/scientists

• Bring in research $$ = VERA $$

• Use nonprofit for resources

• Give the BEST medical care available to veterans