UVM Health System Research Newsletter

The University of Vermont Health System (UVM Health) has launched a new newsletter to share updates on expanding research activities to affiliate sites.  This newsletter will serve as the primary channel for information on extending research to affiliate hospitals and signals a major step toward integrating research across the UVM Health System and its affiliates.  Below is the newsletter distributed to affiliate sites on January 8, 2026 from Ramsey Herrington, MD, FACEP, Chief Physician Executive, UVM Health President & CEO, UVM Health Medical Group, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, UVM Larner College of Medicine and Kate Tracy, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Research - Director of Research (UVM Health).

"Welcome to the first edition of the UVM Health Systems Research Newsletter.

As a rural academic health system, UVM Health is committed to delivering innovative care informed by research and clinical trials throughout our region. The University of Vermont—encompassing the Larner College of Medicine and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences—has a longstanding partnership with the University of Vermont Medical Center, driving progress in understanding disease, promoting wellness, and developing new treatments through collaborative research initiatives.  

UVM and UVM Health have been actively preparing to expand research opportunities at affiliate hospitals.   The UVM Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) on Human Research in the Medical Sciences (CHRMS) and Committee on Human Research in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHRBSS) are now registered as UVM Health’s IRBs with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office (DHHS).  This enables UVM’s IRBs to oversee research conducted at affiliated hospitals.

Dr. Ramsey Herrington has been named the Institutional Official for UVM Health, taking responsibility for ensuring compliance in research at these hospitals.  An IRB Reliance Agreement has been finalized, outlining the roles and responsibilities of UVM’s IRB and UVM Health in conducting human participant research. 

Preparations between UVM’s IRB and Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital (CVPH) are ongoing, with CVPH set to be the first hospital to transition to these new services.   UVM Health and UVM are working to efficiently extend these services to other affiliates, while ensuring research staff are equipped to conduct safe and compliant research.  Recognizing the importance of training and education in human participant protection regulations, UVM Health will recruit staff to provide this support.

We look forward to advancing innovation and clinical care throughout the UVM Health System.  Stay tuned for future updates."