Sara Edmond, 2015

Research Psychologist/ Associate Research Scientist, (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System / Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine

Professional Background

I completed my clinical internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center / G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center Consortium in Jackson, Mississippi. Following internship, I completed an APA-accredited fellowship in clinical health psychology at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, CT, and recently transitioned into a faculty position. My current research focuses on improving patient-provider communication about chronic pain and improving delivery of and access to evidenced-based non-pharmacological interventions to manage chronic pain.

How has being a P&N graduate helped shape your professional success?

The experiences and training opportunities at Duke had a significant impact on my professional trajectory. The excellent practicum opportunities prepared me to work in face-paced, interdisciplinary settings, which is a critical skill in clinical health psychology. It wasn’t until I left Duke that I realized how important the diverse clinical opportunities were, and how rare these types of training opportunities are at other programs.

Training with Frank Keefe, a well-respected researcher in the area of chronic pain, provided me with a solid foundation in cognitive-behavioral treatments for pain and research methodology. Working with Dr. Keefe and the other faculty members in the lab helped me to develop the skills needed to be successful in an academic setting and encouraged me to pursue my passion for research.

Sara Edmond, 2015