DGMC hosts research symposium Published May 16, 2014 By Senior Airman Madelyn Brown 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 60th Medical Group hosted the annual research symposium, "Research Advancing Medicine," May 7 and 9 in the atrium of David Grant USAF Medical Center open to all hospital staff and, for the first time, patients. The symposium, which displayed information about past and current research projects to advance the field of medicine, gave patients the opportunity to sign up for ongoing research projects if they met specific criteria. "These research symposiums benefit everyone," said Dr. Bradley Williams, 60th MDG clinical research administrator. "DGMC nurses and physicians spread ideas and knowledge through the research results, new nurses and physicians that are rotating through this medical center for training are exposed to the research, and patients can find research projects that are related to their disease processes and sign up." Most of the research projects are available to all Department of Defense and Tricare beneficiaries. "Historically, some of the greatest innovations in healthcare have come from military research. The DGMC Clinical Investigations Facility, is here to contribute to that legacy," said Lt. Col. Robin Mitchell, 60th MDG Clinical Investigations Facility director. "The research symposium allows us as an organization to raise awareness of ongoing clinical research, which will hopefully stir debate, stimulate ideas and incite individuals to engage in research here." One of the approximate 60 projects currently under research involves detecting cancer at an unprecedented early stage. "Some of the projects involve screening for conditions such as lung cancer," Williams said. "If we're able to do a low dose computed tomography scan, we can find lung cancers in smokers a lot earlier than we would otherwise. Finding cancers earlier means they are less likely to have grown and spread, which increases success of extraction by surgery, and increases survival for the patient." In addition to earlier screenings for existing disease, DGMC researchers are studying preemptive tests to find patients who are at risk before an ailment exists. "The Coronary Artery Calcium study is only open to enlisted personnel," Williams said. "It's able to give advance clues if you're at risk for a heart attack and need to change medicine or diet and exercise habits, or if you're not at risk. It's an early warning sign before you have any symptoms." Years may pass before enough data is collected, research compiled and a report is filed in an official capacity. However, the research projects provide empirical evidence that can be used to shape health care and policy to improve force capabilities. "First and foremost, we are here to support past and present warfighters and their dependents," Mitchell said. "We engage in research that aims to enhance their care, wartime readiness and keep them fit to fight." The research projects would not be possible without the participants that volunteer their time. Some ongoing research topics include diabetes, heart disease, pain management, wound care, fitness and genetic testing. For more information about available research projects, contact the Clinical Investigation Facility at 423-7263.