Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center (CSPEC)-Durham

Overview

The Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center (CSPEC)-Durham (formerly Durham ERIC) is a part of the Durham VA Healthcare System, located in Legacy Tower (NC Mutual Life Building). It is one of several Epidemiology Centers established by the Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) that serve as national resources for epidemiologic research and training for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary mission of all CSPECs is to design and conduct state-of-the-art population research on health and disease to enhance our understanding of their determinants, treatments, and outcomes in order to improve the health, well-being, and care of Veterans and all Americans.

CSPEC-Durham's specific mission is to support and encourage CSP-sponsored population-based research. Our research involves the collection of information on the epidemiology, natural history, and clinical course of disease, with an emphasis on medical care interventions and their evaluations. Specifically, we seek to achieve the following goals:

• Investigate the determinants of disease in Veterans, including molecular, genetic and biologic components
• Investigate the sources of disparities in the delivery and outcomes of medical care through VA-based population research
• Provide training opportunities in epidemiology to MD and PhD investigators, and MPH students of affiliated academic institutions through mentored research

For additional information on the CSP Epidemiology Centers, please visit: https://www.vacsp.research.va.gov/VACSPRESEARCH/CSPEC/Main.asp