About Me
As a clinical health psychologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I specialize in caring for patients living with advanced cancer as well as their family members. I’ve collaborated closely with the Division of Palliative Medicine for more than 15 years and I currently serve as the associate vice chair for Wellness in the Department of Internal Medicine.
I’m passionate about supporting my patients and their families as they navigate important decisions, from the point of diagnosis to later stages. I’m also focused on optimizing a patient’s quality of life despite serious illness.
To achieve these goals, my research is focused on developing successful intervention strategies that help patients sleep better, reduce anxiety and worry, manage fatigue and enhance mood. One of the interventions is called Finding Our Center Under Stress (FOCUS). The pilot test showed positive effects on insomnia, worry/uncertainty, depression and fatigue interference for patients with advanced cancer.
I’m privileged to work with such a compassionate and highly knowledgeable team here at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Together, we have created and evaluated models of service delivery for psychosocial oncology and helped to train faculty and fellows in serious illness communication skills. I’ve also worked at the national level with the American Psychosocial Oncology Society to teach other mental health specialists evidence-based strategies for caring for patients and families living with cancer.
My role includes training the next generation of care providers. I teach medical students at The Ohio State College of Medicine about the field of psychosocial oncology and provide an introduction to palliative medicine. I also provide clinical supervision focused on psychosocial and communication skills for Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellows.
I lead the development of a national core curriculum, called the Psychosocial Oncology Virtual Academy, designed to teach cancer-related psychosocial intervention skills. The goal is to expand mental health care for cancer patients and ensure patients in underserved communities have access to this kind of care.
I believe Ohio State is one of the most wellness-oriented and equitable institutions in the nation and I love working here. The research possibilities and collaborations are incredible, and our patients stand to benefit immensely from the innovative solutions we’re able to develop and provide.?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, reading, writing and baking. I like to travel and explore new places, including local spots. I also love music festivals and concerts, and I’m learning to play the bass guitar.
Highlights
- President-Elect of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society, Present
- Director of Professional Education of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society, 2017-2022
- American Psychosocial Oncology Society Outstanding Education and Training Award, 2021
- Established the Palliative & Psychosocial Oncology Fellowship Program, 2008
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Anxiety
- Sleep Disorders
- Medical Oncology
- Depression
- Behavioral Medicine
- Grief
- Psychology
- Chronic Disease
- Psychiatry
Education and Training
Education History
Graduate
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
9/23/1993 - 6/18/1999
Internship
Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
7/1/1998 - 8/31/1999
Academic Information
My Department
Internal Medicine
My Division
Palliative Medicine
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/30/2022, Dr. Wells-Di Gregorio has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
