Research Interests:
Dr. O’Connor has focused his research on the interface between primary care and addiction medicine. This has included research examining the transfer of addiction treatment strategies from “specialty” settings to primary care and other general medical settings. His publications in this area include studies on the management of opioid withdrawal in primary care settings, opioid maintenance in primary care, and the use of naltrexone for treating alcohol dependence in primary care patients. He has been active in medical education on addiction both nationally and internationally and has served as the President of The Association for Medical Education and Research on Substance Abuse (AMERSA) and of the The American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and The Addiction Medicine Foundation.
Selected Recent Publications:
O’Connor, PG. Brief Interventions for Problem Drinking: Another Piece of the Puzzle. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007; 146(3):223-225.
Martell BA, O’Connor PG, Kerns RD, Becker WC, Morales KH, Kosten TR, and Fiellin DA. Systematic Review: Opioid treatment for chronic back pain: prevalence, efficacy and association with addiction. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007; 146:116-127.
Sledge, WH, Brown, KE, Levine, JM, Fiellin, DA, Chawarski, M, White, WD, O’Connor, PG. A Randomized Trial of Primary Intensive Care to Reduce Hospital Admissions in Patients with High Utilization of Inpatient Services. Disease Management. 2006; 9(6)328-338.
O’Connor PG. Problem Drinkers: Find Them, Keep Them, Don’t Lose Them, Treat Them. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2005; 20(1):96-97.
D’Onofrio G, MS; Pantalon MV, Degutis LC, Fiellin DA, O’Connor PG. Development and Implementation of an Emergency Practitioner-Performed Brief Intervention for Harmful and Hazardous Drinkers in the Emergency Department. Academic Emergency Medicine. 2005; 12(3):249-256.
O’Connor PG. Methods of Detoxification and Their Role in Managing Patients With Opioid Dependence. JAMA. 2005; 294(8):961-963.
Sullivan LE, Fiellin DA, O’Connor PG. The prevalence and impact of alcohol problems in major depression: A systematic review. American Journal ofMedicine. 2005; 118(4):330-341.
Kernan WE, Holmboe E, O’Connor PG. Assessing the teaching behaviors of ambulatory care preceptors. Academic Medicine. 2004; 79(11):1088-1094.
O’Malley S, Rounsaville BJ, Farren C, Namkoong K, Wu R, Robinson J, O’Connor PG. Initial and Maintenance Naltrexone for Alcohol dependence using primary care vs. specialty care: A nested sequence of three randomized trials. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2003; 163(14):1695-1704.
Kosten T, O’Connor PG. Current Concepts: Management of Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal. New England Journal of Medicine. 2003; 348(18):1786-1795.
Reid MC, Engles-Horton LL, Weber MB, Kerns RD, Rogers EL, O’Connor PG. Use of opioid medications for chronic noncancer pain syndromes in primary care. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2002; 17(3):173-9.
O’Connor PG. Treating opioid dependence—new data and new opportunities. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2000; 343(18):1332-4.
Fiellin DA, Reid MC, O’Connor PG. Screening for alcohol problems in primary care: A systematic review. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2000; 160(13):1977-89.
O’Connor PG, Fiellin DA. Pharmacologic treatment of heroin-dependent patients. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2000; 133(1):40-54.
D’Onofrio G, Fiellin DA, Pantalon MV, Chawarski MC, Owens P, Degutis LC, Busch SH, Bernstein SL, O’Connor PG. A brief intervention reduces hazardous and harmful drinking in emergency department patients. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2012, 60:181-192. PMID: 22459448.
Moore BA, Barry DT, Sullivan LE, O'Connor PG, Cutter CJ, Schottenfeld RS, Fiellin DA.Counseling and directly observed medication for primary care buprenorphine maintenance: a pilot study. Journal of Addiction Medicine 2012, 6(3):205-211. PMID: 22614936.
Tetrault JM, Moore BA, Barry DT, O’Connor PG, Schottenfeld R, Fiellin DA, Fiellin LE. Brief versus extended counseling along with buprenorphone/naloxone for HIV-infected opioid dependent patients. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 2012, 43(4):433-439. PMID: 22938914.
Fiellin DA, Barry DT, Sullivan LE, Cutter CJ, Moore BA, O’Connor PG, Schottenfeld RS. A randomized trial of cognitive behavioral therapy in primary care-based buprenorphine. American Journal of Medicine 2013, 126(1):74-9. PMID: 23260506.
O’Connor PG. Managing substance dependence as a chronic disease: is the glass half full or half empty? JAMA 2013, 310(11):1132-4. PMID: 24045739.
Edelman EJ, Chantarat T, Caffrey S, Chaudhry A, O'Connor PG, Weiss L, Fiellin DA, Fiellin LE. The impact of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment on HIV risk behaviors among HIV-infected, opioid-dependent patients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 2014, 139:79-85. PMID: 24726429.
Gueorguieva R, Wu R, O’Connor PG, Weisner C, Fucito LM, Hoffman S, Mann K, O’Malley SS. Predictors of abstinence from heavy drinking during treatment in COMBINE and external validation in PREDICT. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2014, 38(10):2647-2656. PMID: 25346505.
O’Connor PG, Sokol RJ, D’Onofrio G. Addiction medicine: the birth of a new discipline. JAMA Internal Medicine 2014, 174(11):1717-1718. PMID: 25201642.
Fiellin DA, Schottenfeld, RS, Cutter CJ, Moore BA, Barry DT, O’Connor PG. Primary care–based buprenorphine taper vs maintenance therapy for prescription opioid dependence: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine 2014, 174(12):1947-54. PMID: 25330017
Tetrault JM, O’Connor PG. Unhealthy alcohol use, including alcohol use disorder: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course assessment, and diagnosis. UpToDate 20
Bagley S, Peterson J, Cheng DM, Jose C, Quinn E, O’Connor PG, Walley AY. Overdose Education and Naloxone Rescue Kits for Family Members of Individuals Who Use Opioids: Characteristics, Motivations, and Naloxone Use. Substance Abuse 2015, 36(2):149-54. PMID: 25564892.
Fiellin D, Samet J, O’Connor PG. Addressing bias in observational studies of alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a call to the field. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2015, 39(2):390. PMID: 25665029.
D'Onofrio G, O'Connor PG, Pantalon MV, Chawarski MC, Busch SH, Owens PH, Bernstein SL, Fiellin DA. Emergency department-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone treatment for opioid dependence: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2015, 313(16):1636-44. PMID: 25919527.
O’Connor PG. Alcohol use disorder. In Goldman-Cecil Medicine, 25th Edition, 2015:149-156.
Gueorguieva R, Wu R, Tsai W, O’Connor PG,Fucito L, Zhang H, O’Malley SS.An analysis of moderators in the COMBINE Study: Identifying subgroups of patients who benefit from acamprosate. European Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Oct;25(10):1586-99. PMID: 26141511.
Edelman EJ, Hansen NB, Cutter CJ, Danton, C, Fiellin LE, O'Connor PG, Williams EC, Maisto SA, Bryant K, Fiellin DA. Implementation of Integrated Stepped Care for Unhealthy Alcohol Use in HIV Clinics. Addiction Science and Clinical Practice. 2016 Jan 13, 11: 1. PMID: 26763048.
Education:
B.S., Union College, 1978
M.D., The Albany Medical College, 1982
M.P.H., Yale University School of Medicine, 1988
Training:
Internal Medicine Residency: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 1982-1985
Chief Residency: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 1985-1986
Fellowship: The Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, Yale University, 1986-1988
| Award | Awarding Organization | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Master | American College of Physicians | 2020 |
| Robert J. Glaser Award | Society of General Internal Medicine | 2019 |
| John P. McGovern Award | Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research on Substance use and Addiction | 2017 |
| The President’s Award | American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM), The Addiction Medicine Foundation (AMF), The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) | 2016 |
| Dan Adams and Amanda Adams Professor of General Medicine Appointment | Yale University | 2016 |
| Distinguished Alumnus Award | Albany Medical College | 2015 |
| Dan Anderson Research Award | Butler Center for Research at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation “Emergency Department-Initiated Buprenorphine/Naloxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence” (with co-authors) | 2015 |
| Formal Induction: American College of Physicians (ACP) Fellow | American College of Physicians (ACP) Convocation Ceremony, Philadelphia, PA | 2009 |
| Election to Fellowship | American College of Physicians (ACP) | 2008 |
| SGIM/ACGIM Chief’s Recognition Award - First Awardee | 30th Annual SGIM Meeting, Toronto, Canada | 2007 |
| Excellence in Mentorship Award | 29th Annual AMERSA National Conference, Bethesda, MD | 2005 |
| The Commissioner’s AIDS Leadership Award - Central Medical Unit | State of Connecticut Department of Public Health | 1991 |
| Housestaff Teacher of the Year | The University of Rochester School of Medicine | 1986 |
| Magnum Cum Laude | Union College | 1978 |
| New York State Regents Scholar - 1974-1982 | Union College & The Albany Medical College | 1974 |
| Organization | Role | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) | Treasurer | 2021 - Present |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, Past-President | President | 2016 - Present |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation | President | 2014 - 2016 |
| Yale University, School of Nursing, Search Committee, Dean | Member | 2014 - Present |
| Chair, Editorial Board, Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) | Editor | 2013 - 2019 |
| Editorial Board Member, Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) | Guest Editor | 2013 - 2019 |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Glaser Award Committee | Chair | 2013 |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Office of the Dean, Inquiry Committee | Chair | 2013 - Present |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Journal of General Internal Medicine, Editorial Board | Chair | 2013 - Present |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Adult Primary Care Planning Committee | Member | 2012 - Present |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) | Editorial Board | 2012 - Present |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, The ABAM Foundation’s Training Committee | Member | 2012 - Present |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), Executive Committee and Immediate Past-President | Member | 2011 - 2014 |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, President Elect | President | 2011 - 2013 |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), Immediate Past President | President | 2011 - 2013 |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Senior Appointments & Promotions Committee | Member | 2011 - 2012 |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Office of the Dean, Inquiry Committee | Member | 2011 - 2012 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Program on Quality of Care and Patient Safety Research Committee | Chair | 2011 - 2012 |
| Yale New Haven Health System, System Medical Records and Clinical Information Committee | Co-Chair | 2011 - Present |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, The ABAM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Committee | Member | 2011 - Present |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, The ABAM and ABAM Foundation Finance Committee | Member | 2011 - Present |
| American Medical Association, JAMA/Archives Manuscript Review CME Program | Awarded 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for 1 peer review | 2010 |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, The ABAM Foundation Residency Development and Funding Work Group | Member | 2010 - Present |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA) | President | 2009 - 2011 |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Chief of Geriatrics Search Committee | Chair | 2009 - 2010 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Inpatient Steering Committee | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Yale University, School of Nursing, Provost’s Standing Advisory and Appointments | Member | 2009 - Present |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation, The ABAM Addiction Medicine Outreach Committee | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Research Committee | Member | 2008 - 2011 |
| American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) and the ABAM Foundation | Director | 2008 - Present |
| American College of Physicians (ACP) | Fellow | 2008 - Present |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), President Elect | President | 2007 - 2009 |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), Executive Committee | Member | 2007 - Present |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Senior Appointments & Promotions Committee | Member | 2006 - 2009 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Operations Committee | Member | 2006 - Present |
| Yale University, Provost’s Committee on Conflict of Interest | Member | 2005 - 2008 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Traditional Internal Medicine Residency Program, Clinical Competency Committee | Member | 2004 - 2010 |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine Search Committee | Member | 2004 - 2008 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Medical Records Subcommittee on Security and Access | Member | 2003 - 2012 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Medical Records Subcommittee on Forms | Member | 2003 - 2012 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Electronic Medical Records Committee | Chair | 2003 - 2009 |
| Yale University School of Medicine, Term Appointments and Promotions Committee | Member | 2002 - 2006 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Primary Care Residency Program, Restructure Committee | Chair | 2002 - 2003 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Curriculum Committee | Member | 2002 - 2003 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Competency Meeting Committee | Member | 2002 - 2003 |
| Editorial Board Member, Substance Abuse | Guest Editor | 2000 - 2009 |
| Contributing Editor, Substance Abuse | Editor | 2000 - 2009 |
| Chair, Publications Committee, Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA) | Editor | 2000 - 2009 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Primary Care Center Management Council | Member | 2000 - 2004 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Educational Executive Committee | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), Publications Committee | Chair | 2000 - Present |
| Subcommittee on Buprenorphine. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). January 27, 1999 | Consultant | 1999 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Medical Staff Quality Assessment and Improvement Committee | Member | 1998 - 2003 |
| National Institute on Drug Abuse Medications Development Division, Bethesda, Maryland, July 29, 1998. “Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists for Opiate Withdrawal: Feasibility of Inpatient versus Outpatient Efficacy Studies.” | Consultant | 1998 |
| Associate Editor, Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) | Editor | 1998 - Present |
| Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), Independent Practice Association (IPA), Board of Directors | Member | 1997 - 2003 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Block Steering Committee | Chair | 1995 - 2002 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Housestaff Clinical Competency Committee | Member | 1995 - 2002 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale Preferred Health Credentialing Committee | Member | 1995 - 2001 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale Preferred Health Utilization Management Committee | Member | 1995 - 2001 |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Primary Care Center Clinical Delivery Team | Co-Chair | 1995 - 2000 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Activities Working Group Committee | Member | 1995 - 1996 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Primary Care Center, Search Committee | Chair | 1995 - 1996 |
| Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA), Abstract Selection Committee, National Meeting | Co-Chair | 1995 - 1996 |
| American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Physicians Governor’s Council | Member | 1995 - 1996 |
| Society of General Internal Medicine, Regional Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, November 16, 1995 | Co-Chair | 1995 |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Multiple Abstract Selection Committees, | Co-Chair | 1995 - Present |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), New England Region | President | 1994 - 1996 |
| Yale University, Independent Practice Association (IPA) Contracts Committee | Member | 1993 - 2003 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Component of the Internal Medicine Clerkship, Steering Committee | Member | 1993 - Present |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Medical Records and Clinical Information Committee | Chair | 1993 - Present |
| Yale-New Haven Hospital, Ambulatory Services Council | Member | 1992 - 2002 |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Substance Abuse Task Force | Co-Chair | 1992 - 2002 |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Internal Selection Committee | Member | 1992 - Present |
| Yale University, Department of Internal Medicine, Primary Care Program, Internal Selection Committee | Member | 1992 - Present |
| Senior Medical Editor, Cortlandt Forum | Editor | 1990 - 2009 |
| Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM), Substance Abuse Task Force | Member | 1990 - Present |
| New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) | Reviewer | 1986 - Present |
| The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) | Reviewer | 1986 - Present |
| Annals of Internal Medicine | Reviewer | 1986 - Present |
| Archives of Internal Medicine | Reviewer | 1986 - Present |
| Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) | Reviewer | 1986 - Present |
| Substance Abuse | Reviewer | 1986 - Present |