Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct faculty typically have an academic or research appointment at another institution and contribute or collaborate with one or more School of Medicine faculty members or programs.
Adjunct rank detailsBenjamin Toll, PhD
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Biography
Dr. Benjamin Toll is a licensed clinical psychologist and a Professor, Adjunct in the Department of Psychiatry. He specializes in clinical research on the treatment of tobacco use disorders, alcohol use disorders, and improvement of health behaviors.
Dr. Toll has received grants from the National Institutes of Health, including multiple R01 grants from the National Cancer Institute, and he is an author of over 130 peer-reviewed publications relating to nicotine and tobacco research, including several clinical trials published in first tier medical (e.g., Journal of the National Cancer Institute) and psychology journals (e.g., Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology) and clinical practice guidelines and policy statements from international medical societies. He has served as an author for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) on a policy statement encouraging physicians to provide tobacco treatment for cancer patients, the American College of Chest Physician (ACCP) treatment guidelines for smoking cessation among lung cancer patients, and the American Thoracic Society's (ATS) clinical practice guideline for treatment of tobacco dependent adults. He also holds leadership positions in national associations relating to tobacco treatment research. Dr. Toll is a past Board Member for the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT), and a current member of the AACR Tobacco and Cancer Subcommittee.
Dr. Toll’s NCI funded research has focused on testing novel smoking cessation treatments and he has conducted numerous clinical trials in this regard. Many of his studies have investigated promotion of smoking cessation through novel message framing and motivational interventions, including those delivered via telephone and in person. Dr. Toll has tested several pharmacological and counseling interventions, and he also has expertise in the measurement of tobacco use and tobacco related syndromes (e.g., withdrawal, craving), and mediators and moderators of response to treatment. He has served as a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed publications, including the Surgeon General’s Report (The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress, Chapter: Cigarette Smoking and Adverse Health Outcomes in Cancer Patients and Survivors).
Last Updated on December 01, 2024.
Departments & Organizations
- ADVANCE Study
- Connecticut Mental Health Center
- Division of Substance Abuse
- Psychology Section
- Psychotherapy Development Center
- Smoking Cessation and Alcohol Treatment Research Clinic
- SPORE in Lung Cancer
- WHRY Pilot Project Program Investigators
- Women's Health Research at Yale
- Yale Cancer Center
- Yale Ventures
Education & Training
- PhD
- Nova Southeastern University (2002)
- MS
- Nova Southeastern University (1999)
- BA
- Cornell University (1996)
Research
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Overview
Dr. Toll’s primary research interest involves developing novel psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for tobacco use disorders. Current studies focus on message framing to promote smoking cessation. He has been working with the New York State Smokers' Quitline on studies testing gain-framed counseling (e.g., if you quit smoking you will live longer) and mediators and moderators of responses to gain-framed counseling. He has also been working on studies of naltrexone for minimization of post smoking cessation weight gain. In addition, Dr. Toll is involved in several studies of psychometrics, assessment, and methodological issues with addictive behaviors.
- “Promoting Tobacco and Cancer Control: Message Framing for Telephone Quitline Callers” This project will be a secondary analysis of our New York State Smokers’ Quitline data.
- “Smoking Cessation to Improve Survival Rates of Head and Neck Cancer Patients” This project is an 8-week, open label clinical trial comparing smoking cessation treatment with varenicline 2 mg to nicotine patch 21 mg in a sample of 30 patients who completed treatment for head and neck cancer.
Medical Research Interests
Global Health; Psychiatry; Smoking Cessation
ORCID
0000-0001-7978-8416
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Frequent collaborators of Benjamin Toll's published research.
Publications Timeline
A big-picture view of Benjamin Toll's research output by year.
Research Interests
Research topics Benjamin Toll is interested in exploring.
Lisa Fucito, PhD
Stephen Baldassarri, MD, MHS
Lynn Tanoue, MD, MBA
Marney A. White, PhD, MS
Melissa R Schick, PhD
Nicole Elbertson, MEd, BS
38Publications
630Citations
Smoking Cessation
Publications
2026
Medication Samples and Smoking Cessation Among Adults
Carpenter M, Smith T, Wahlquist A, Toll B, Cropsey K, Ware E, Kaczmar J, Dahne J, Gray K. Medication Samples and Smoking Cessation Among Adults. JAMA Network Open 2026, 9: e2611418. PMID: 42101840, PMCID: PMC13156786, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.11418.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsPoint prevalence abstinenceRandomized clinical trialsSelf-reported point prevalence abstinenceSmoking cessation interventionsSelf-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinenceCO-verified abstinenceSelf-reported abstinenceNicotine replacement therapySpectrum of adultsQuitline referralCessation interventionsMedical samplesFollow-upIntervention messagesSmoking cessationPrevalence abstinenceQuit attemptsMain OutcomesNRT samplingHigher RatesInactive controlSmoking reductionStudy sampleSecondary outcomesPrimary outcomeNicotine replacement therapy starter packs and gain-framed messages to promote smoking cessation in lung cancer screening: a randomized trial
Fucito L, Rojewski A, Tanoue L, Bernstein S, Baker N, Tanner N, Carpenter M, Cummings K, Silvestri G, Toll B. Nicotine replacement therapy starter packs and gain-framed messages to promote smoking cessation in lung cancer screening: a randomized trial. American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine 2026, 212: 1170-1173. PMID: 42085282, PMCID: PMC13253041, DOI: 10.1093/ajrccm/aamag188.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchProspective study of predictors of continuous smoking abstinence after hospital discharge
Roberson A, Pebley K, Cummings K, Talbot V, Bliss A, Stansell S, Toll B. Prospective study of predictors of continuous smoking abstinence after hospital discharge. Tobacco Prevention & Cessation 2026, 12: 1-10. PMID: 42052431, PMCID: PMC13114024, DOI: 10.18332/tpc/217012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTobacco treatment programElectronic health recordsContinuous smoking abstinencePredictors of smoking abstinenceSmoking abstinenceHospital dischargeProspective studyRisk of adverse health outcomesSelf-reported continuous smoking abstinenceAssociated with lower oddsFollow-upAdverse health outcomesUnplanned hospital readmissionsDiagnosis of substance use disorderPatients 6 weeksPatient demographic factorsHospital stay lengthHealth outcomesHealth recordsSubstance use disordersLower oddsSmoking statusHospital readmissionYears smokingClinical characteristicsLung cancer screening outcomes among people with HIV at an academic medical center in South Carolina: insights from electronic health records and provider survey data 2023
Hatch A, Toll B, Rojewski A. Lung cancer screening outcomes among people with HIV at an academic medical center in South Carolina: insights from electronic health records and provider survey data 2023. Preventive Medicine Reports 2026, 66: 103480. PMID: 42088992, PMCID: PMC13137138, DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103480.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLung cancer screeningMedical University of South CarolinaLung cancer screening outcomesLung cancer screening guidelinesElectronic health record reviewDecision-making visitCancer screening outcomesLung-RADS scoreHealth record reviewPerspectives of providersElectronic health recordsBaseline lung cancer screeningProvider survey dataAcademic medical centerInfectious disease providersPhase 1Phase 2Cancer screeningScreening outcomesHealth recordsHIV diagnosisEarly-stage cancerRecord reviewMedical UniversityUniversity of South CarolinaPredictors of enrollment and cessation outcomes in a telehealth opt-out tobacco treatment program
Anokye V, Roberson A, Palmer A, Toll B, Wilson D, Dunlap M, Bliss A, Ware E, Warren G, Cummings K. Predictors of enrollment and cessation outcomes in a telehealth opt-out tobacco treatment program. Health Education Research 2026, 41: cyag006. PMID: 41738480, DOI: 10.1093/her/cyag006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsTobacco treatment programCigarette smokersProportion of cigarette smokersProportion of patientsSmoking outcomesNon-white patientsFollow-up 4Treatment programsAdult patientsFollow-upOlder patientsPatient groupDiagnosis of cancerOncology outpatient clinicOpt-out approachPatientsOutpatient clinicStatus 4Cigarette useSmokersStop smokingPredictors of enrollmentCessation outcomesCancerOncology clinicAssociations between Tobacco Use and Tobacco Cessation Pharmacotherapy on Rehospitalizations
Nielsen E, Zhang J, Marsden J, Bays C, Mauldin P, Brownstein N, Toll B, Schreiner A, Heincelman M. Associations between Tobacco Use and Tobacco Cessation Pharmacotherapy on Rehospitalizations. Southern Medical Journal 2026, 119: 56-61. PMID: 41627956, DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001930.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsPrescription of smoking cessation medicationsTobacco cessation medicationsCessation medicationsTobacco useNever smokersRetrospective cohort studyRehospitalization ratesFormer smokersHigher oddsSmoking statusTreatment of tobacco useSmoking cessation medication prescriptionsTobacco treatment programAssociation of smoking statusCessation medication prescriptionsPrimary care clinicsTobacco cessation pharmacotherapyOdds of rehospitalizationLikelihood of rehospitalizationLow prescription ratesPublic health issueCohort study of patientsRisk of rehospitalizationCare clinicsRetrospective cohort study of patientsEvaluation of the Healthy Eating and Recovery Together (HEART) digital health intervention to support head and neck cancer caregivers and survivors
Sterba K, Burris J, Duan R, Toll B, Armeson K, Sithideth C, Chera B, Ruggiero K, Graboyes E. Evaluation of the Healthy Eating and Recovery Together (HEART) digital health intervention to support head and neck cancer caregivers and survivors. MHealth 2026, 12: 6-6. PMID: 41675100, PMCID: PMC12885827, DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-25-53.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHead and neck cancer caregiversHead and neck cancer survivorsHead and neck cancerHealthy eatingNeeds assessmentUnmet needsDigital health interventionsMulti-component interventionTailored care planShort-term effectsFollow-up surveyCancer caregiversCaregiving challengesCare planningSession completionHealth interventionsBaseline surveyCaregiversDepressive symptomsIn-personParticipant engagementInterventionSurvivorsHealthyNeck cancerA cross-sectional analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to determine if tobacco and cannabis methods of administration are likely to be consistent across products
Pebley K, McClure E, Chen A, Toll B, Rojewski A. A cross-sectional analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to determine if tobacco and cannabis methods of administration are likely to be consistent across products. Respiratory Research 2026, 27: 173. PMID: 41998648, PMCID: PMC13091259, DOI: 10.1186/s12931-026-03638-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsBehavioral Risk Factor Surveillance SystemRisk Factor Surveillance SystemVaping cannabisCross-sectional analysisSmoking cannabisSmoking cigarettesDual useTobacco co-useCurrent cigarette smokingSurveillance systemUnited States adultsSurvey of United States adultsCannabis useEducational level differencesCannabisMethod of administrationTobacco useCo-useEducation levelCigarette smokingTobaccoConsumption modalitiesModalitiesCigaretteHealth risks
2025
An AACR Policy Statement to Support a Federal Limit on Nicotine in Combustible Tobacco and Protect Public Health.
Hatsukami D, Goniewicz M, Leischow S, Rigotti N, Tellman T, Warren N, Davidson B, Toll B. An AACR Policy Statement to Support a Federal Limit on Nicotine in Combustible Tobacco and Protect Public Health. Clinical Cancer Research 2025, 32: 16-26. PMID: 41195890, DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-25-2182.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsChronic tobacco useTobacco useEvidence-based smoking cessation therapiesCombustible cigarettesPublic healthNicotine productsLocal health agenciesPublic health benefitsCombustible tobacco productsNicotine product standardSmoking cessation therapyQuit attemptsHealth agenciesPreventable causeAverage cigarettesCombustible tobaccoCancer preventionTobacco productsCessation therapyPremature deathDisease policyCigaretteHealth benefitsClinical trialsNicotine levelsThe American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Tobacco treatment in the context of lung cancer screening
Fathi J, Cinciripini P, DePrimo M, Houston T, Kathuria H, Park E, Pua B, Roelke T, Taylor K, Toll B, Zeliadt S, Kazerooni E, Smith R, Ostroff J. The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Tobacco treatment in the context of lung cancer screening. Cancer 2025, 131: e35972. PMID: 40928189, DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35972.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsLung cancer screeningTobacco treatmentCancer screeningCessation servicesProvision of cessation servicesDecision-making visitTobacco treatment deliveryTobacco treatment guidelinesTobacco-cessation interventionsElectronic health recordsCigarette smoking abstinenceLeading risk factorEvidence-based treatmentsScreening staffHealth outcomesHealth recordsTobacco useContextual barriersSmoking cessationNational Coverage DeterminationSmoking abstinencePatient literatureCigarette smokingQuality indicatorsRisk factors
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
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Activities
activity Clinical Research Committee, Connecticut Mental Health Center
07/01/2008 - PresentCommitteesCommittee Memberactivity Yale College Fellowships for Research in Health Studies
2009 - PresentPeer Review Groups and Grant Study SectionsReviewerDetailsGrant review
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