In the face of the ongoing dangers of COVID-19 and the effect of Long COVID, research into the illness conducted by VA’s Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly propelled him into the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health of 2024. However, it may be surprising to some that his background was not in the study of infectious diseases.
“I came to the VA as a nephrologist [a medical doctor who specializes in kidney care and treating diseases of the kidneys] and discovered the wealth of VA research opportunities,” said Al-Aly, who serves as the chief of research and development at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. “The VA is an outstanding environment for delivering the best care in the nation today and through research and innovation advancing care.”
Charting a new path
Prior to the arrival of the pandemic, much of Al-Aly’s research focused on the health effects of air pollution, but since 2020, he has published about 20 studies that have helped shape the world’s understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19, which can range from debilitating fatigue and brain fog to increased risks of chronic conditions.
“From the very early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I connected viscerally to stories of Veterans and other Americans describing lingering health issues after COVID-19,” he shared. “The condition at the time did not even have a name. So, my team and I decided to step up to the plate and do our best to understand these patients and what is happening to them.”
Al-Aly’s research made a difference, and was possible because of his affiliation with VA.
“I do big data research, and the VA health care data systems are not only the largest of any kind in the world, but they are also the best in terms of data quality,” Al-Aly explained. “This makes the VA an excellent environment for innovation. For people looking to make a difference, and really push the envelope, the VA is an exceptional environment—unrivaled anywhere else.”
Making a difference
VA’s environment of team-based care and investments in innovation enabled Al-Aly and his team to make this challenging journey, and he credits his team and the gratitude of the Veteran and patient community for the encouragement needed to persevere.
“I am deeply grateful to the Veterans and civilian patients who inspired us to do this work and warmly supported us along this journey. I also want to acknowledge the steadfast support of VA leaders, “he said. “This tells me that we are on the right track—listening to patients and addressing their care needs.”
Armed with a better understanding of Long COVID, Al-Aly and his team will continue their research, focusing their efforts on potential Long COVID treatments and determining whether other viral infections can also cause chronic damage.
“We orient our research agenda to make an impact,” he explained. “We deliberate extensively about our research priorities, and we focus on what really makes a difference to people’s lives. We always ask ourselves, ‘What we could do to improve people’s lives?’ That is the foundation of our research agenda. My team and I hope to continue to make an impact.”
The VA difference
Al-Aly believes that the TIME100 recognition is a testament to the greatness of VA as a health care system and as a platform for research, the kind of world-class research that serves all Americans and delivers outstanding care to Veterans.
And when asked what advice he would offer anyone interested in bringing their expertise to VA, Al-Aly emphasized the opportunities available to conduct research at VA.
“VA is an outstanding system,” he shared. “Dream big and soar high. The sky’s the limit. You can and will make a true difference here—not only in improving the lives of Veterans, but all Americans. Innovation at VA spills over the whole world and moves humanity forward.”
Work at VA
When you bring your expertise to VA, you can take advantage of incredible research opportunities and lead the development of innovative treatments.
- EXPLORE the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health of 2024.
- LEARN about the mission of the Office of Research and Development.
- READ about ORD’s career development program for researchers.
- FIND your next opportunity at VA.
