Robert D Kerns PhD

Professor of Psychiatry, of Neurology and of Psychology

Biographical Info

Dr. Robert D. Kerns is National Program Director for Pain Management for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Director of the Pain Research, Informatics, Medical comorbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, and Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology at Yale University. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West Virginia University in 1974 and his doctorate in Bioclinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University in 1980. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, and he has held leadership positions in these and other professional and scientific societies. In his role as National Program Director for Pain Management he has programmatic responsibility for policy development, coordination, and oversight of the VHA National Pain Management Strategy.

He is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2006 Leadership Award from the Association of VA Psychologist Leaders, the 2006 David M. Worthen Award for Academic Excellence and the 2006 Mark Wolcott Award for Clinical Leadership from the VHA, and the 2010 John and Emma Bonic Public Service Award from the American Pain Society. He serves on the editorial board of several scientific journals, including the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Clinical Journal of Pain, Health Psychology, Pain Medicine, Psychological Services, and Cancer Pain and Palliative Care.

Dr. Kerns’ primary area of scholarly and academic interest is in the fields of behavioral medicine and health psychology, with a more specific interest and expertise in the area of pain and pain management. He has published nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and books, and he frequently delivers invited addresses at professional and scientific meetings. His research has been funded through the VA and through other federal and private sources for over 25 years.

Education & Training

Ph.D.

Southern Illinois University (1980)

Honors & Recognition

• 2006 Leadership Award
  Association of VA Psychologist Leaders (2006)
• 2006 David M Worthen Award for Academic Excellence
  Veterans Health Administration (2007)
• 2006 Mark Wolcott Award for Clinical Leadership
  Veterans Health Administration (2007)
• Patient Advocacy Award
  American Academy of Pain Medicine (2008)
• Pfizer Visiting Professorship
  American Academy of Pain Medicine (2009)
• John and Emma Bonica Public service Award
  American Pain Society (2010)

Professional Service

• Member, Food and Drug Administration (2009 - 2011)
• Member, VA Polytrauma/Blast-related Injury QuERI (2006)
• Member, Psychological Services (2003)
• Member, Journal of Cancer Pain and Symptom Palliation (2003)
• Senior Editor, Pain Medicine (2002)
• Member, Clinical Journal of Pain (1995)
• Member, American Chronic Pain Association (1993)
• Editorial Board(07/01/2010)
• Editorial Board(07/01/2010)
• Representative, American Psychological Association (01/01/2009 - 12/31/2011)
• Member, APA, Division of Health Psychology (01/01/2009 - 12/31/2011)