Susan Gaylord

Widely regarded for her contributions to the fields of health behavior and integrative medicine, Susan Gaylord is a distinguished faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She serves as an adjunct associate professor in both the Department of Health Behavior and the Department of Family Medicine at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Additionally, she holds the position of research associate professor at the UNC School of Medicine, where she has made significant strides in advancing healthcare delivery and minority health. Dr. Gaylord's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She furthered her education at Duke University, earning a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her diverse educational background has equipped her with a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology and public health, which she applies to her research and teaching. Her research interests are broad and impactful, encompassing aging, cancer, diabetes, health behavior, healthcare delivery, minority health, obesity, rural health, and substance abuse. Dr. Gaylord is particularly passionate about exploring the potential of mind-body medicine and complementary and alternative therapies to improve health outcomes. Her work in these areas has been instrumental in shaping contemporary approaches to healthcare that are both holistic and patient-centered. As the director of UNC's Program on Integrative Medicine, Dr. Gaylord oversees initiatives that promote the integration of conventional and alternative medical practices. She also leads the Mindfulness-based Stress and Pain Management Program, which focuses on the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness meditation and other mind-body techniques. Her leadership in these programs reflects her commitment to advancing healthcare practices that are inclusive and accessible to diverse populations. Dr. Gaylord's dedication to improving rural health and addressing health disparities among minority populations is evident in her research and community engagement efforts. She is a strong advocate for healthcare delivery models that are culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the needs of underserved communities. Her work in this area has contributed to a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the role of spirituality and health beliefs in shaping health behaviors. In addition to her research and administrative roles, Dr. Gaylord is a respected educator and mentor. She is deeply committed to training the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking. Her contributions to academia and public health continue to inspire her colleagues and students alike.