Sarah Westen PhD | Speaker

Sarah Westen, PhD is a Clinical Assistant Professor, licensed clinical psychologist, and Director of Diabetes Behavioral Medicine and Psychology at the University of Florida (UF). Her clinical and research interests include type 1 diabetes, insulin-requiring diabetes, medical treatment engagement, behavioral family interventions, telehealth psychosocial interventions, health equity and equality, and patient-centered care and health outcomes research. Dr. Westen teaches courses in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology in the College of Public Health and Health Professions at UF. Her courses include Resilience in Children with Chronic Health Conditions and Adherence and Self-Management in Pediatric Chronic Illness Populations. Dr. Westen’s research projects have won multiple recognitions with support from the National Institutes of Health, American Psychological Association, and Helmsley Charitable Trust. Dr. Westen carries several leadership roles including: Chair of the ADA’s Psychosocial Sub-Committee of the Youth Strategies Committee; Program Chair of the ADA Mental Health Case Study Continuing Education Program; Program Chair of the ADA Latest Innovations & Technologies in Type 1 Diabetes Program; Sub-Committee Member of the ADA Scientific Sessions New Technology Sub-Committee Planning Group; Member of the Grant Review Board for the Stanford Diabetes Research Center; and, Member of the Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research (GCDTR). Dr. Westen is former Chair of the American Psychological Association’s Special Interest Group in Diabetes, and a former JDRF National Psychology Fellowship recipient. Prior to coming to the University of Florida, Dr. Westen completed a fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health as an Intramural Research Training Award recipient.