Suzanne Phelan, Ph.D.

Position

Associate Professor - Research

Academic Background

  • MCP Hahnemann University
    Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology, 2001
  • MCP Hahnemann University
    M. A., in Clinical Psychology, 1999
  • University of Colorado
    B. A., in French, 1989
  • University of Colorado
    B.S., Journalism, 1989

Sample Courses

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pharmacologic Treatment of Obesity
  • Obesity & Behavioral Medicine
  • Obesity & Primary Care

Teaching Philosophy

I embrace the responsibility I have to excite my students about health, community, and the world around them. As a scientist-practitioner, I believe research and clinical experiences provide an important context to material learned in textbooks and in the classroom.

Research and Interests

My research is focused on discovering ways to promote weight loss and weight gain prevention in a variety of settings. My current work is particularly focused on intervening in the time surrounding pregnancy to prevent pregnancy-associated weight gain and obesity.

Notable Academic Appointments and Awards

  • Editorial Board - Obesity (2007-present)
  • Multiple Health Behavior Change Award; Society of Behavioral Medicine (2008)
  • Ad Hoc member NIH Study Section- Clinical & Integrative Diab & Obesity (2009, 2010)
  • Multiple Health Behavior Change Award; Society of Behavioral Medicine (2008)

Publication Highlights

  • Phelan, S., Liu, T., Wing R, Gorin, A., Lowe, M. What distinguishes long-term weight loss maintainers from the treatment-seeking obese? Analysis of environmental, behavioral, and psychosocial variables in diverse patient populations. (2009). Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
  • Phelan, S., Lang, W., Jordan, D., Wing, R.R. (2009), Use of artificial sweeteners and fat-modified foods in weight loss maintainers and always normal weight individuals. International Journal of Obesity 1: 1-8.
  • Phelan, S., Kanaya, A.M., Subak, L.L., Hogan, P., Espeland, M.A., Wing, R.R., Burgion, K.L., Dilillo, V., Gorin, A, Smith-West, D.M., Brown, J.S., and the Look Ahead Research Group (in press). Prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence in diabetic women: The Look Ahead Study. Diabetes Care.
  • Phelan, S. Nallari, M., Darroch, F.E., Wing, R.R. (2009). What do physicians recommend to their overweight and obese patients? Journal of the American Board of Family Physicians. Mar-Apr;22(2):115-22.
  • Phelan, S. Pregnancy: a “teachable moment” for weight control and obesity prevention. (in press) American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Presentation Highlights

  • Phelan, S and Brown J. (2009). Clinical interventions for Urinary incontinence and diabetes: What works? Invited speaker for the NIDDK Urologic Complications Meeting; Bethesda, MD.
  • Phelan S, Wing RR, Loria CM, Kim Y, Lewis C (2009). Prevalence and predictors of weight loss maintenance in a bi-racial cohort: Results from the CARDIA study. The Obesity Society, Phoenix, Az.
  • Phelan, S. (2009). Keeping it off: What works for the long term. Invited speaker for the American Gastroenterology Association’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Chicago, IL.
  • Phelan S. Randomized trial to prevent excessive gestational weight gain. Results of Fit for Delivery (2010). Invited speaker for the NIDDK Clinical Obesity Research Panel (CORP); Bethesda, MD.

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