Health Sciences: Getting Started

This guide provides resources, services, and tools of interest to VT researchers investigating health topics and initiatives, including across disciplines and VT Beyond Boundaries' areas: 'Integrated Health and Wellness,' and 'The Adaptive Brain.'

Health Sciences Libraries at Virginia Tech

Image shows an outside view of the VTCSOM Library within the VTCSOM building.Inside the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Health Sciences and Technology Library. Image shows open central area with tables and chairs, single study units, moveable dry-erase board, wall screenImage shows an outside view of the VetMed Library within the College of Veterinary Medicine complex.

We offer a wide range of services and support at our three health sciences libraries: 

Get Started!

Get Started with Topic Overview Resources, such as PubMed Health (clinical effectiveness), MedlinePlus, and more.
VT Libraries has many guides related to Health Sciences. Search all Subject Guides, or try out one of these:
Biochemistry
Consumer Health
Genetics, bioinformatics, and computational biology
Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
Medicine
Population Health Sciences
Psychology

Topic Overview Resources

Top Library Resources & Services

Make the most of library resources & services for your research!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Simply contact your librarian directly! See health liaison librarian information on this guide, or use the email, chat, or in-person reference desk hours for our Ask a Librarian service!
Use Discovery Search to conduct a Google-like search of most of our library resources.  While it's not a disciplinary database, like the ones that I recommend to you on this guide, it can help you gain a broad overview of a particular research topic or question.  
When trying to access articles and other resources, look for the Get VText box:
Can't find full text or a print copy? Use the VT Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) Service - for journal articles, book chapters (even if we own a copy), books, and more that VT does not own or subscribe to, don't pay to access research sources you need - use Illiad to request materials for free.

What Is Discovery Search?

Discovery Search includes records for most of the library’s resources: our physical collections, our journal and ebook subscriptions, streaming videos, reports, government publications, and much more. You can use limiters to narrow your search results by the format, date of publication, peer-reviewed, and availability online. 

Librarians for Health Research

Health Sciences Library Locations Librarians
Collaborative Librarians
  • Anne Brown, Science Informatics Consultant & Health Analytics Coordinator

  • Jackson Hoch, Evidence Synthesis Resident Librarian -- health specialization: liaison to Human Nutrition Foods & Exercise

  • Inga Haugen, Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Scholarly Communication Librarian -- health specialization: plants, soils, Extension, ag econ, ag tech, entomology, food science, and biological systems engineering.

  • Amanda MacDonald, Undergraduate Research Services Librarian -- health specialization: Human Development 

  • Rachel Miles, Research Impact Librarian -- health specialization: Neuroscience, Psychology

Whole Health and One Health are transdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary endeavors. Identify and Contact additional VT Librarians who specialize in and support researchers in delving into areas such as politics and policy, natural resources and the environment, social sciences, the arts, and more.