Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., associate director for Cancer Survivorship and Translational Behavioral Sciences at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the recipient of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine’s 2023 ISBM Distinguished Scientist Award. The award was presented at the 17th Congress of the ISBM in Vancouver, British Columbia, and recognizes distinguished theoretical or empirical contributions to behavioral medicine.
Dr. Penedo, who serves on the NIH’s National Advisory Council on Minority Health Disparities, has long been at the forefront of behavioral medicine at the national and international levels.
His research has reshaped cancer survivorship and includes evaluating the role of sociocultural, biobehavioral and psychosocial mechanisms underlying disease activity and health outcomes. At the same time, he studies the efficacy of evidence-based psychosocial interventions in promoting optimal chronic disease management and health outcomes in cancer. His research areas also include working with underserved groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals and rural residents, who have limited access to cancer care. Working within these communities, Dr. Penedo studies how emotional, behavioral and cultural factors impact adaptation to cancer and its treatment, quality of life and overall health outcomes.
“It’s such an honor to receive this prestigious award and I am very humbled and grateful to the society which has been one of my academic homes for the past 23 years,” said Dr. Penedo. “This recognition underscores my longstanding commitment to document how psychosocial and behavioral factors impact health outcomes, particularly in cancer, and how we can develop and implement psychosocial interventions to promote better health.”
The ISBM is a scientific society that serves the needs of all health-related disciplines concerned with the integration of psychosocial, behavioral and biomedical sciences.
Read more about Dr. Penedo and this award on the InventUM blog.
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