As one of the most modern health care facilities in the country, the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) offers veterans state-of-the-art medical technology, clinical services and research programs. The Medical Center, part of the VA Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5), is home to the world's first filmless radiology department, which allows health care providers to have nearly instant access to patient radiology images from anywhere in the facility and throughout the health care system. The Baltimore VAMC is the acute medical and surgical care facility for the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) and offers a full range of inpatient, outpatient and primary care services. Located next to the University of Maryland Medical Center with a walkway connecting the two facilities, the Medical Center maintains an active affiliation with the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the sharing of staff, resources and technology. Having one of the largest funded research and development programs in the VA system, including studies in diabetes, immunology, oncology, virology, cellular biology and infectious diseases, enhances the Medical Center's ability to provide state-of-the-art medical techniques and treatments to Maryland's veterans. A Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, one of only 21 in the VA system nationwide, conducts research on the prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease through exercise and nutrition therapy in older veterans. In response to a growing demand for specialized care for veterans with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the Baltimore VAMC coordinates one of only two MS Centers of Excellence throughout the VA. The Center is responsible for facilitating clinical care, research and education for patients with MS in the Eastern part of the country. The Baltimore VAMC is also the home base for one of VA's ten Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers. This program is dedicated to improving the provision of health care to veterans suffering from severe mental illness, with a special emphasis on the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia.