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VA HSR investigator Johanne Eliacin, PhD, and VA investigator Andrew Cook, PhD, were recently named Fellows of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). SBM is a non-profit organization comprising researchers, clinicians, educators, industry professionals, and policymakers from more than 20 healthcare disciplines. With a focus on behavioral, psychosocial, environmental, and biomedical factors, SBM members conduct research on an array of health conditions. SBM fellows are chosen to “…demonstrate the society’s commitment to advancing the science and practice of behavioral medicine. They also serve as role models, offering guidance and support to student/trainee members. The selection of new fellows ensures the continual life and direction of SBM.”
Johanne Eliacin, PhD
Dr. Eliacin is on staff with the VA National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Division, and is a Core Investigator at the VA HSR Center for Health Innovation and Communication. With a focus on the intersection of mental health services, healthcare disparities, health communication, and implementation science research, she seeks to improve mental health services for vulnerable and marginalized populations through the development and implementation of effective interventions. A former HSR Career Development Awardee, Dr. Eliacin discussed using peer support to engage minority Veterans in VA mental healthcare in this 2023 interview.
Andrew Cook, PhD
Dr. Cook is a Clinical Psychologist with the Tele-Pain Hub in Veterans Integrated Service Network 17; a Consultant and Trainer with the VHA Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain Program; and an Associate Professor (Affiliated) at the Texas A&M University School of Medicine. His research and clinical interests include pain assessment and management, health promotion, and clinical health psychology.
HSR investigators will also have an impactful presence at the upcoming 45th SBM Annual Meeting to be held in Philadelphia, PA, March 13-16, 2024. Participating in symposia, paper presentations, poster sessions, and special interest groups, VA HSR researchers will cover topics important to Veterans’ health and care such as: Social determinants of health and risk of prescription pain medication misuse, Behavioral health comorbidities in serious mental illness, and Implementing evidence-based brief behavioral interventions in integrated primary care.
