SUMMARY
Sheila G. Jowsey-Gregoire, M.D., studies factors that affect the emotional, social and general well-being of transplant candidates, recipients, and donors. The ultimate goal of her research is to improve the quality of life for transplant patients and donors through patient-centric research.
Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire and her research collaborators use standardized rating scales and a standardized interview format that allows comparison of findings across the three Mayo Clinic campuses and with research collaborators around the world.
Her research group investigates the frequency of psychiatric conditions that may contribute to the stress from illness for transplant patients. The group is investigating other strategies to improve patient well-being, including health coaching, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and resilience strategies. Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire also researches psychiatric outcomes for kidney donors.
Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire's research is funded by philanthropic support and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Focus Areas
- Selection of hand transplant candidates. Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire works with researchers in Europe to pool data and develop an understanding of the psychosocial characteristics of hand transplant candidates. She studies the psychosocial traits that are found in patients who have the emotional, lifestyle and family support needed to be successful with vascularized composite transplants. Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire and her colleagues have created a multicenter study to enroll centers worldwide in this effort.
- Long-term outcomes for kidney donors. Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire collaborates with several major transplant centers to study the long-term outcomes of kidney donors. Long-term outcomes include the risk of depression and the impact of the recipient's well-being on the donor.
- Who is at risk of relapse to alcohol use after a liver transplant? Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire, Terry D. Schneekloth, M.D., and their colleagues participate in an effort across Mayo Clinic's three campuses to understand the risk factors that lead to alcohol relapse after a liver transplant for alcoholic cirrhosis.
Significance to Patient Care
Dr. Jowsey-Gregoire's research into the psychosocial factors that affect the well-being of transplant patients and donors may improve their quality of life and outcomes.
Professional Highlights
- Founding Director of Transplant Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, 1999-2022.
- Fellow, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, 2007.
- Distinguished Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, 2001.