Research News

2022 VHA Shark Tank Competition Finalists

August 18, 2022

Two HSR&D investigators were among the 15 individuals who advanced to the 2022 VHA Shark Tank Competition finals! The Competition identifies innovative field-developed practices that promote positive outcomes and improve experiences for Veterans and VA employees, then facilitates the standardization of those practices across the VA healthcare system.

Congratulations to HSR&D investigator James Pittman, PhD, LCSW, associate director, Education and Dissemination Unit at the Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health Clinical Research Unit, VA San Diego Healthcare System, and Deidre Quinn, PhD, MSc, MLitt, a core investigator with HSR&D’s Center for Health Equity Research & Promotion (CHERP) in Pittsburgh, PA.

• Pittman conducts clinical research that investigates the relationship between psychological trauma and psychosocial outcomes, as well as the implementation and use of technology, particularly e-screening, in assessment and treatment. His project, “e-Screening—Making the Most of Appointments” was selected as a “Diffusion of Excellence Director’s Pick.” Dr. Pittman’s work was also featured in a 2018 HSR&D podcast.
• Quinn is a health services researcher and CDA awardee whose focus is on advancing the quality and equity of reproductive health and healthcare for women Veterans. Her “Contraception on Demand” project improves contraceptive access for women Veterans and their experiences with VA reproductive healthcare, and meaningfully expands VA clinical pharmacists’ scope of practice.

Finalists are now preparing to pitch their practices live at the VHA Shark Tank Competition during the VHA Innovation Experience Annual Conference, which will be held October 25–27, 2022.