Paula Trief PhD

Paula Trief, Ph.D. received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University. She joined the faculty at SUNY Upstate Medical University in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in 1993. She is currently a tenured Distinguished Service Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, with joint appointments in the departments of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. Academically, she is an active behavioral science researcher, studying behavioral interventions for patients with diabetes. Her current RO1 studies factors that predict medication adherence and healthcare usage in emerging adults with type 2 diabetes. She recently completed NIH-funded trials that assessed a telephonic translation of the DPP weight loss intervention and a telephonic couples intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes in poor glycemic control. Her area of focus is health psychology, and she has provided clinical services and consultation to diabetes, cancer, back pain, and burn patients and their providers, among others. She recently stepped down after 11 years in the role of Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development at Upstate Medical University, where she oversaw the appointment, promotion, and tenure process for all College of Medicine faculty, developed many innovative and effective faculty development programs, and led several national faculty development initiatives.