Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center
The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center has been affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine since 1949. Today, with 400 acute care , medical, intermediate medicine, and surgical beds and a 120-bed nursing home, it is one of the VA's largest hospitals, serving Harris County and 27 surrounding counties.
Veterans receive treatment in this state-of-the-art hospital building that features advanced design and technology, including an automated robot transport system that hastens delivery of food, laundry, and other necessities. Baylor researchers collaborate with VAMC staff in studying various health problems, including AIDS and heart disease.
Baylor department chairmen and top administrators from the VAMC serve on the hospital's Deans Committee to set medical care standards and advise on education and research programs at the VAMC. The committee recommends measures to assure that the highest quality of medical care is delivered to the veteran patients. Baylor faculty are medical service chiefs at the hospital.
Supported with more than $18 million annually, research conducted by HVAMC staff ensures veterans access to cutting-edge medical and health care technology. The HVAMC Research & Development Program is an integral part of the medical center's mission. New knowledge, techniques, and products have led to improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of disease, as well as correction of or compensation for, defects.
VA researchers continue to lead the way in finding a cause for illnesses in Gulf War veterans, treating Hepatitis C, and exploring the effectiveness of the new, stronger multi-drug treatments for fighting AIDS/HIV.