Medical Research


The MEDRVA Foundation partners with UVA School of Medicine, VCU School of Medicine, and Eastern Virginia Medical School to fund medical researchers and students in their quest to expand medical knowledge.

Current studies receiving funding from the MEDRVA Foundation include:


Effects of Postural Changes on Voice Production

Jamie Moore, M.D.

Recovery from COVID-19 Associated Smell and Taste Loss

Evan Reiter, M.D.

Cell Free DNA Deterction of Somatic Mutations and Vascular Malformations to Allow for PRecision Therapy

Jennifer Rhodes, MD

The Use of Nitric Oxide as a Biomarker for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Kent Lam, M.D.

Prospective, Single-Blind Randomiized Trial of In-Office Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for the Treatment of Chronic Neurogenic Cough

Benjamin Rubinstein, M.D.

Sleep Apnea Following Adenotonsillectomy

J. Michael E. Kenerson, M.D.

Defining the Rose of the Watch-Pat in a Special Needs Pediatric Population vs. Efficacy of Watch-Pat in the Diagnosis of OSA in Special Needs Children

Lucia Garcia, M.D.

Comparison of Rates of Resolution of Nocturnal Enuresis in Children Treated with Bedwetting Alarm Versus Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy

Robert Liebman, M.D.

Research Projects In The News


NBC News, “Virginia researchers work on solution for loss of smell from Covid infection,” February 6, 2023

For Researchers Seeking Funding


Researchers at our partner institutions are encouraged to seek support from the MEDRVA Foundation through a research letter of intent.  

The letter should be no longer than two pages and include the following:

  • The question the researcher is asking
  • A description of how the researcher proposes to answer the question
  • The researcher’s background
  • The estimated cost to answer the question
  • How IRB will be handled if required
  • How the research relates to the Foundation’s mission 
  • A brief abstract of the research to be performed

Once received, the Scientific Research Committee evaluates submissions and identifies those projects the Committee determines merit further in-depth consideration. Each selected researcher is then invited to submit a full application, provided by the MEDRVA Foundation, and invited to present and answer questions at an upcoming Scientific Research Committee meeting.  

Any questions and letters of interest should be addressed to:

MEDRVA Foundation
Attn: Director of Development and Funding
8700 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23235

(804) 775-4516 [email protected]

Our People


The MEDRVA Foundation’s Scientific Research Committee includes ten volunteers who share their expertise and time to evaluate research proposals, interview researchers and make funding recommendations to the MEDRVA Foundation’s Board of Directors:

Richard Costanzo, PhD


Laurence Dinardo, MD


Will Benson, MD


Michael Armstrong, MD


Ms. Joanne Wiley

Daniel Coelho, MD


Jamie Pucci, OD


Barry Roper, MD


Peter Netland, MD


Mrs. Cherry Peters