Biobehavioral Health Alumni Profile: Kelli Dominick, Ph.D.
B.S 1992 Exercise and Sports
Science, The Pennsylvania State University
MS 1994 Health and Sports
Science, Wake Forest University
Ph.D. 2001 Biobehavioral Health,
The Pennsylvania State University
On the Ph.D. program, in her words:
“One primary strength of this program is that it enables students to gain both breadth and depth of knowledge in biobehavioral aspects of health. The breadth of knowledge comes from being part of a very diverse program, with faculty members and students who pursue a wide variety of health-related topics, from basic science to population-based studies. I have found this broad base of understanding to be essential in my work environment. Interdisciplinary research is really “the norm” in many health research environments, and it makes research much richer and more meaningful. Gaining a broad base of health-related knowledge (along with a strong methodological background) enables you to communicate and work effectively with colleagues from a variety of different substantive backgrounds. The depth of knowledge acquired within the BBH graduate program comes from more focused study in a particular area of interest. This graduate program allows a significant amount of time for students to really pursue expertise in their areas of interest. Developing this focus and expertise is certainly key for moving forward in a specific career path.”
“Find an advisor/mentor whose interests match closely with yours, and whom you think you will work with well. Much of a PhD program is spent working with your advisor and developing your own research ideas in conjunction with their guidance and expertise. It is absolutely key to find a grad program that matches your interests overall, and also has at least one faculty member whose specific area of interest is closely related to your own.”
Current areas of professional interest are:
Health Services Research, Osteoarthritis – health care, outcomes, epidemiology, Racial differences in osteoarthritis care and outcomes, and Pharmacoepidemiology
Employment
| May 2002 – present | Health Scientist, Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Epidemiology Research and Information Center, Durham VA Medical Center |
| April 2003 – present | Assistant Research Professor, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center |
| 2002 – present | Senior Fellow, Center for the Study for Aging and Human Development, Duke University |
| June 2001-May 2002 | Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Health Services Research and Development, Durham VA Medical Center |
Ph.D. Thesis Title
Prescription of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Medications among Older Adults Following Myocardial Infarction
Brief description: Prescription of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Medications among Older Adults Following Myocardial Infarction Two sub-studies: Predictors and Patterns of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Medication Prescription Following Myocardial Infarction Outcomes Associated with Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Medication Prescription Following Myocardial Infarction