The Research and Engineering (R&E) Directorate's Research Portfolio Management Division (RPMD) improves health outcomes by advancing DHA's ability to develop and deliver innovative solutions that promote excellence in military medicine. Through strategic alignment of military medical research efforts, RPMD supports improved operational capabilities of a ready medical force, the advancement of prevention and awareness efforts, and evidence-based health care policy recommendations.
RPMD is comprised of five branches including the Science and Technology Portfolio Management branch and four DHA centers of excellence for hearing, psychological health, traumatic brain injury, and vision care.
Science and Technology Portfolio Management Branch
This branch manages Science and Technology projects funded by Defense Health Program Research, Development, Test and Evaluation appropriations for basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development. This funding supports research exploring innovative approaches to address pressing military health care needs and transitioning technical advances and knowledge discoveries into new products, training, and standards of care in the Military Health System. The branch's work also includes coordinating intra/interagency research efforts to advance goals and reduce duplication and conducting strategic planning in coordination with stakeholders for Science and Technology portfolio investments that align to prioritized requirements.
The DHA centers of excellence identify research gaps and translate the latest research on psychological health, ocular health, auditory health, and traumatic brain injuries to inform future research funding, clinical practice, and policy. The centers conduct health research studies, evidence synthesis, and data and policy analyses and produce rapid reviews, systematic reviews, reports to Congress, and reports and analyses for the clinical communities.
Leads efforts to enhance collaboration between care providers in the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and conduct scientific research to minimize the effects of traumatic injuries and improve clinical outcomes.
Fosters and promotes the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, rehabilitation, and research of hearing loss and auditory injury among U.S. military personnel and veterans.
Works to improve the lives of our nation's service members, veterans, and their families by advancing excellence in military psychological health care research.
Unifies a system of TBI health care, reliably advancing the science for the warfighter and ready to meet future brain health challenges.
Leads and advocates for programs and initiatives to improve vision health, optimize readiness, and enhance quality of life for service members and veterans.