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Laurie Keefer
Professor of Medicine, GI Psychologist and Co-Founder at Trellus Health
Professional Background
Laurie Keefer is a distinguished health psychologist renowned for her commitment to integrating behavioral health care into gastroenterology settings. With a specific focus on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease, she holds a prominent position at Mt. Sinai's Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Center, overseeing psychobehavioral research for a substantial cohort of over 12,000 IBD patients. Laurie's work emphasizes the transition from pediatric to adult care, addressing the unique needs of emerging adults with IBD, and developing innovative self-management interventions bolstered by health technology.
Laurie has been a trailblazer in psychogastroenterology, a burgeoning field that sits at the intersection of psychology and gastroenterological health. Her extensive experience extends beyond research and includes significant clinical expertise in brain-gut interactions, functional gastrointestinal disorders, cognitive-behavior therapy, and medical hypnosis. This multifaceted background has made her a leading advocate for advancing psychosocial support for IBD patients, particularly those facing the greatest challenges to their health outcomes.
As a robust contributor to the academic community, Laurie has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2008. She serves as the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) of a major multisite comparative effectiveness research study, exploring Team-Based Versus Technology-Enhanced IBD care, backed by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). This project reflects her dedication to understanding and improving the delivery of IBD care, tailored to the individual patient's needs through research validated by rigorous methodology.
Education and Achievements
Laurie Keefer obtained her advanced education in psychology, equipping her with the necessary tools to excel in her career. Throughout her professional journey, she has committed herself to fostering academic growth in young scholars, serving as a mentor to numerous students and junior faculty members. Her leadership as the former Director of the T32 Training Grant in Psychogastroenterology is a testament to her unwavering dedication to education and mentorship.
In addition to her role at Mt. Sinai, Laurie is also recognized as a Professor of Medicine and a GI Psychologist, contributing her specialized knowledge and insights to the academic field. Her innovations were further highlighted through the invention of the GRITT-IBD Method, a novel approach designed to risk stratify and enhance psychosocial care among IBD patients experiencing the poorest outcomes. This method underscores her focus on applying research-backed techniques to real-world problems, thus maximizing the quality of patient care.
Laurie's influence extends internationally as she chairs the Rome Foundation Psychogastroenterology Working Team and contributes to the Rome Foundation Board of Directors. Her leadership in these organizations indicates her impact on shaping the future of psychogastroenterology, working collaboratively with other professionals to advance the relevance and role of psychological principles within gastroenterology.
Overall Contributions
Laurie Keefer's research and clinical interests articulate a profound understanding of the complexities of IBD and its psychological ramifications. Her work not only enriches the field of psychogastroenterology but also stands as a guide for patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The intersection of her knowledge in psychometrics, questionnaire design, and mixed methods research further enhances her ability to contribute to a multifaceted understanding of patient experiences.
Additionally, as a co-founder of Trellus Health, Inc., Laurie helps to bridge the gap between clinical practice and technological innovation. The organization focuses on addressing the holistic needs of patients with IBD, emphasizing that emotional and physical well-being are paramount for effective disease management. Through her endeavors, Laurie is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of IBD care, advocating for an integrated approach that respects the complexities of individual patient journeys while promoting better health outcomes. Her unwavering passion for her field serves as an inspiration, fostering a healthier future for individuals navigating the realities of IBD.
Achievements
Laurie Keefer's contributions to the field of health psychology and gastroenterology are marked by an array of notable achievements, including:
- Oversight of significant psychobehavioral research involving over 12,000 IBD patients.
- Lead role in the large, multisite comparative effectiveness study on Team-Based vs. Tech-Enhanced IBD care involving significant funding from PCORI.
- Development and implementation of the GRITT-IBD Method, improving psychosocial care for high-risk IBD patients.
- Chair of the Rome Foundation Psychogastroenterology Working Team, driving important discussions and advancements in psycho-gastroenterology.
- Continuous mentorship of students and junior faculty members, underscoring her commitment to fostering future professionals and leaders in her field.
