VA Greater Los Angeles

About the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (GLA). . .

GLA is the largest, most complex healthcare system within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is one component of the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN22) offering services to veterans residing in Southern California and Southern Nevada. GLA consists of 3 ambulatory care centers, a tertiary care facility and 10 community based outpatient clinics. GLA serves veterans residing throughout five counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. There are 1.4 million veterans in the GLA service area. GLA is affiliated with both UCLA School of Medicine and USC School of Medicine, as well as more than 45 colleges, universities and vocational schools in 17 different medical, nursing, paramedical and administrative programs.

Mission:
"To serve the healthcare needs of America's veterans with dignity and compassion."

Vision:
"To be the preferred healthcare provider for veterans by exceeding their expectations, and being recognized for quality care, innovation and value."

Values:
"We value trust, respect, excellence, commitment and compassion."

Goals:

Goal 1: Enhance Clinical Quality Outcomes/Patient Safety
Goal 2: Improve Coordination of Care/Integrated Healthcare System
Goal 3: Maximize Employee Potential and Team Synergy
Goal 4: Increase/Enhance Market Share/Users

Accomplishments:
GLA has a rich history in innovation that includes the conceptual design of the CT scan by Dr. William Oldendorf a former Senior Medical Investigator at Brentwood. VA Wadsworth is known for the establishment of the first Dialysis unit in Southern California and the second chronic dialysis unit West of the Mississippi by Dr. Milton Rubini. Another first attributed to research history was made by Dr. Jack Coburn who was the first to delineate a clinical test to determine aluminum-related bone disease in dialysis patients which is used world-wide to identify this clinical problem. Dr. George Sachs was instrumental in the design and basic cell biological testing of the now widely used proton pump blockers for peptic ulcer disease. Dr. Sydney Finegold is a world-renowned authority on the biology and taxonomy of anaerobic bacteria and has contributed significantly to the knowledge of these disease-producing organisms. To date, GLA has had three recipients of the Middleton Award, which is the highest award in the VA recognizing outstanding research contributions: Dr. George Sachs, Dr. Jack Coburn, and Dr. Sydney Finegold.

Currently, ongoing research at the WLA site encompasses investigations of newer therapies for schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders, investigations of the pathogenesis and therapy for cancers such as lung, prostate and gastrointestinal tract, AIDS, and aging disorders. The Sepulveda site has concentrated on the study and treatment of epilepsy, sleep disorders, the molecular mechanisms of blood pressure regulation, memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and health delivery, access and provider behavior studies.

Center of Excellence:

Homeless Center of Excellence
Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior-VA HSR&D Center of Excellence
Parkinson's Disease Research Center

2003

Last Updated:January 2004