Biopsychosocial Mechanisms & Health Outcomes Lab

The BMHO Program advances knowledge in four broad themes of inquiry: Behavioral and Psychosocial Processes in Health and Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs), Sociocultural Determinants of Health, and Biobehavioral Mechanisms & Chronic Disease Management Interventions. The platform for this work involves prospective observational and intervention studies in cancer, CVD and HIV/AIDS that address: multiple pathways (social, biological, psychosocial) in health outcomes; health care delivery and health services; biopsychoscial and sociocultural mechanisms in the context of primary and secondary prevention of CVD, and cancer survivorship; and technology based and electronic medical record integrated assessment and intervention studies that target symptom burden and toxicity management in cancer. Most studies involve a biobehavioral component with emphasis on endocrine regulation, inflammatory & angiogenic pathways, immunocompetence, and gene x environment interactions. Our work emphasizes several methods including ecosocial and biopsychosocial approaches; CBT, mindfulness and stress management interventions; technology implementation; translational and team science; and advanced statistical methods.

The Cancer Survivorship Program aims to enhance a patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being by addressing a range of issues, including managing side effects of treatment, improving quality of life, and promoting overall health and wellness. In this program, patients can expect personalized care plans tailored to their specific needs and goals, delivered by a team of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals who are trained in survivorship care. Through this program, cancer survivors can receive the ongoing support and care they need to live well beyond their cancer diagnosis.