Maher A. Karam Hage, M.D.
Department of Behavioral Science, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences
About Dr. Karam-Hage
My interest in addiction is focused on the specific areas of tobacco, alcohol, and comorbid disorders. I started my career by designing, getting funded, and successfully completing my own study on bupropion for alcohol-dependent smokers. In the last 24 years, I have collaborated on more than 25 NIH-funded clinical trials as a co-investigator and study physician, and I participated in several pharmaceutical and investigator-initiated multi-site trials. I am an expert in evidence-based treatments for tobacco, alcohol, and opioid use disorders and an experienced medical educator in psychiatry and addiction.I have a keen interest in medical education and have designed and conducted several studies to enhance medical education on substance use disorders. Throughout the years, I have mentored several trainees in different capacities and from different disciplines. As the Medical Director of the Tobacco Treatment Program at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, I continue to practice general and addiction psychiatry, and exercising my clinical skills, I derive my professional satisfaction from helping people recover from the grip of addiction, in particular smokers or tobacco users attempting to quit. In addition, I find clinical practice to be a unique and fertile ground to generate interesting and relevant clinical research questions: It is the ultimate venue for true translational research. I have collaborated with Drs. Robinson, Versace, Kypriotakis, and Cinciripini in my department for the last 18 years on several trials focused on improving the outcomes of treating smoking. We have published results on the effectiveness of our clinical program and several research studies, including previous neuroimaging studies to develop an innovative tailored approach to reduce vulnerability to nicotine self-administration. We are currently aiming to personalize the treatment by using genetic markers, as we conduct a major trial across Texas to recruit 2000 smokers; any smoker living in Texas can participate by going towww.nicotinestudy.organd answering a few screening questions. We also aim to personalize the treatment of repetitive Trans Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) using the neuro-affective and neurocognitive biomarkers as the necessary preliminary step to successfully develop more effective, personalized noninvasive neuro-modulatory interventions for Substance Use Disorders.
In the News
Should you do Dry January? Experts weigh in
What's the best way to quit smoking?
What does drinking alcohol do to your body?
Quit smoking: 6 products to strike out nicotine cravings
What happens to your lungs from smoking? 3 things to know
Don’t let COVID-19 stress stop you from quitting smoking
Tobacco Treatment Program helps cancer patients quit smoking
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Medical Director of Tobacco Treatment Program, Department of Behavioral Science, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Professor, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Adjunct, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Professor (Joint Appointment), Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Professor (Adjunct), Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tx
Professor (Joint Appointment), Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tx
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1993 | Facultad de Medicina at Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM), Ciudad de Guatemala, GT, Medicine, Medico y Cirujano (Doctor and Surgeon |
| 1989 | Facultad de Medicina at Universidad Francisco Marroquin (UFM), Guatemala City, GT, Ciencia, Bachalareuus Sciencia (BS) |
Postgraduate Training
| 1999-2000 | Research Fellowship, Clinical Psychopharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 1998-1999 | Clinical Fellowship, Addiction Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 1994-1998 | Clinical Residency, General Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Board Certifications
| 2014 | American Board of Medical Quality |
| 2003 | American Society of Addiction Medicine |
| 2002 | ABPN added qualification in Addiction Psychiatry |
| 1999 | American Boards of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN) |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Adjunct, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2015
Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2015
Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2015
Assistant Professor (joint appointment), Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006 - 2008
Assistant Professor, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006 - 2008
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 2000 - 2006
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Patient Safety and Quality Officer, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2017 - Present
Associate Medical Director, Tobacco Treatment Program, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006 - 2017
Acting Director, Department of Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2006 - 2006
Director of Medication Development and Testing, Department of Nicotine Research Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2004 - 2006
Associate Director, Department of Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2003 - 2006
Director of Medical Education, Department of UMATS, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2000 - 2006
Medical Director, Department of University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2000 - 2006
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Physician Advocate Consultant and Speaker on Suboxone®, Reckitt-Benkiser Inc, N/A, 2005 - 2008
Institutional Committee Activities
Past Chair, Senior Faculty Committee - Academic Career Development, 2023 - 2024
Co-Chair, Professional Education Committee, 2023 - 2024
Member, PRS faculty retirement committee, 2023 - 2026
Chair, Senior Faculty Committee - Academic Career Development, 2022 - 2023
Cancer Prevention Division Representative, Physician Referral Service (PRS) Executive Council, 2022 - 2025
Member, Medical Records Committee, 2022 - Present
member, Nomination and Selection Committee for The Samuel J. Hassenbusch, MD, PhD, PRS Leadership & Institutional Service Award (The L.I.S.A), 2022 - 2024
Member, Faculty Vitality & Engagement Council, 2021 - Present
member, Professional Education Committee (PEC), 2021 - 2023
Member, Employee Engagement Council, 2020 - Present
Member, Clinical Faculty Review Committee (CFRC), 2020 - 2023
Member, Senior Faculty Committee - Academic Career Development, 2020 - 2022
Committee Chair, Practitioner Peer Assistance Committee, 2020 - Present
Member, Physician Referral Service (PRS) Budget and Finance Committee, 2019 - 2026
Member, Senate Faculty Salary Review Committee, 2019 - Present
Vice Chair, Practitioner Peer Assistance Committee, 2019 - 2020
Member, Travel Affairs Committee (TAC), 2019 - Present
member, Continuing Medical Education Committee (CME), 2018 - 2021
Department Officer for Behavioral Science, Electronic Health Records, 2018 - 2020
member, Physician Referral Service (PRS) Faculty Compensation and Benefits Committee, 2017 - 2020
Officer, Patient Safety Quality Officer (Behavioral Science), 2017 - Present
Member, ASAM's position on e-cigarettes, 2017 - 2017
Member, Psycho-Oncology Faculty Search Committee, 2016 - Present
Member, Mid-career Review for Karen Calabro, PhD, 2016 - 2016
Member, Mid-tenure review for Eileen Shinn, PhD, 2016 - 2016
Member, Practitioner Peer Assistance Committee, 2016 - 2019
Officer, Department of Behavioral Science, EHR Implementation (EPIC), 2014 - 2017
Reviewer, Faculty Awards Committee, 2014 - 2014
Officer, EHR Implementation (EPIC), 2014 - 2017
Cancer Prevention Division Representative, Physician Referral Service (PRS) Executive Council, 2013 - 2019
Reviewer, Faculty Awards for Clinical Research, Faculty Awards Committee, 2013 - 2013
Re-elected Senator for Behavioral Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center Faculty Senate, 2013 - 2016
Member, Physician Referral Service (PRS) Budget Committee, 2013 - 2017
Member, Faculty Health and wellbeing Committee, 2012 - 2014
Senator for Behavioral Science, MD Anderson Cancer Center Faculty Senate, 2010 - 2013
Member, General Psychiatry Residency Evaluation and Selection Committee, 2000 - 2006
Member, House Officers' Association Web-Page, University of Michigan, 2000 - 2001
Faculty Member, Residency Training Committee - University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, 2000 - 2006
Resident Member, Residency Training Committee, 1996 - 1997
Honors & Awards
| 2021 | Distinguished fellow, American Psychiatric Association |
| 2021 | Faculty Excellence Award, in prevention outreach, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, President |
| 2017 | Faculty Excellence Award in financial stewardship, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2016 | Julie and Ben Rogers Clinical Excellence Award 2016, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2012 | Faculty Leadership Academy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2011 | Fellow status of American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association |
| 2004 | Junior Investigator Colloquium Award, American Psychiatric Association meeting (New York) |
| 2002 | Selected for the Medical Education Scholars Program, University of Michigan Medical School |
| 2000 | Junior Investigator Colloquium Award, American Psychiatric Association meeting (Chicago) |
| 1999 | Recognition award for organizing & planning: 1st Addiction psychiatry day, Dept. Psychiatry, University of Michigan |
| 1999 | Honorable mention & travel award addiction research, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) annual meeting |
| 1998 | HO-IV education curriculum & teaching award, Dept. Psychiatry, U. of Michigan |
| 1998 | Awarded 1-year research fellowship, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology |
| 1997 | Outstanding writing award: Best paper of the year, Dept. of Psychiatry, U of Michigan |
| 1997 | Resident teaching residents Award, Dept. of Psychiatry, U. of Michigan |
| 1994 | Romeo De Leon Award for medical school graduation thesis, Facultad de medicina, UFM |
| 1991 | Medical school interchange program, visiting student at Baylor College of Medicine |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Cinciripini PM, Minnix JA, Kypriotakis G, Erasmus J, Beneventi D, Karam-Hage M, Carpenter K, Volk RJ, Carter B, Godoy M, Strange C, Shih Y-C, Cui Y, Green CE, Robinson JD. Smoking Cessation Interventions in the Lung Cancer Screening Setting: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 185(3):284-291, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39804633.
- Kypriotakis G, Cinciripini PM, Green C, Lawrence D, Anthenelli RM, Minnix JA, Beneventi D, Morris C, Karam-Hage M, Blalock JA. Effects of Varenicline, Bupropion, Nicotine Patch, and Placebo on Treating Smoking Among Persons With Current or Past Major Depressive Disorder: Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Psychiatry 182(2):174-186, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39659160.
- Cinciripini PM, Kypriotakis G, Blalock JA, Karam-Hage M, Beneventi DM, Robinson JD, Minnix JA, Warren GW. Survival Outcomes of an Early Intervention Smoking Cessation Treatment After a Cancer Diagnosis. JAMA Oncol 10(12):1689-1696, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39480450.
- Robinson JD, Cui Y, Kypriotakis G, Engelmann JM, Karam-Hage M, Minnix JA, Green CE, Shete S, Hatsukami DK, Donny EC, Murphy SE, Hecht SS, Eissenberg T, Wetter DW, Cinciripini PM. Evaluating the human abuse potential of concurrent use of electronic cigarettes and low nicotine cigarettes among adults who smoke. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39541521.
- Willett JG, Karam-Hage M. Winning the Tobacco Endgame. Health Affairs Forefront, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Rodríguez-Cano R, Kypriotakis G, Robinson JD, Karam-Hage M, Blalock JA, Minnix JA, Beneventi D, Cinciripini PM. Comparing the Fagerström Test and Heaviness of Smoking Index in Predicting Smoking Abstinence in Cancer Patients. Nicotine Tob Res 26(11):1576-1581, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38785358.
- Cinciripini PM, Green CE, Shete S, Minnix JA, Robinson JD, Cui Y, Kim S, Kypriotakis G, Beneventi D, Blalock JA, Versace F, Karam-Hage M. Smoking Cessation After Initial Treatment Failure With Varenicline or Nicotine Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 331(20):1722-1731, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38696203.
- Kypriotakis G, Kim S, Karam-Hage M, Robinson JD, Minnix JA, Blalock JA, Cui Y, Beneventi D, Kim B, Pan IW, Shih YT, Cinciripini PM. Examining the Association between Abstinence from Smoking and Healthcare Costs Among Patients with Cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 17(5):217-225, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37940143.
- Cui Y, Robinson JD, Kypriotakis G, Minnix JA, Green CE, Kim S, Karam-Hage M, Cinciripini PM. Comparable cigarette consumption data collected using timeline follow-back and digital diary among treatment-seeking smokers. Psychol Addict Behav 38(3):315-322, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37747518.
- Robinson JD, Kypriotakis G, Karam-Hage M, Cui Y, Beneventi D, Blalock JA, Minnix JA, Cinciripini PM. Brief report: Characterization of electronic cigarette use among patients of a comprehensive cancer center. Am J Addict 33(3):339-342, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37807121.
- Britton M, Le C, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Chen TA, Karam-Hage M, Cinciripini PM, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Addressing High Tobacco Use Rates at Opioid Treatment Centers Through Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Programming: A Funded Clinical Quality Improvement Study Protocol. American Academy of Health Behavior 7(2), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Bayley EM, Zhou N, Mitchell KG, Antonoff MB, Mehran RJ, Rice DC, Sepesi B, Swisher SG, Vaporciyan AA, Walsh GL, Cinciripini PM, Karam-Hage M, Roth JA, Hofstetter WL. Modern Perioperative Practices May Mitigate Effects of Continued Smoking Among Lung Cancer Patients. Ann Thorac Surg 114(1):286-292, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 34358522.
- Robinson JD, Karam-Hage M, Kypriotakis G, Beneventi D, Blalock JA, Cui Y, Gonzalez R, Tayar J, Chaftari P, Cinciripini PM. Bupropion XL and SR have similar effectiveness and adverse event profiles when used to treat smoking among patients at a comprehensive cancer center. Am J Addict 31(3):236-241, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35347796.
- Cinciripini PM, Kypriotakis G, Green C, Lawrence D, Anthenelli RM, Minnix J, Blalock JA, Beneventi D, Morris C, Karam-Hage M. The effects of varenicline, bupropion, nicotine patch, and placebo on smoking cessation among smokers with major depression: A randomized clinical trial. Depress Anxiety 39(5):1-12, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35535436.
- Singareeka Raghavendra A, Kypriotakis G, Karam-Hage M, Kim S, Jizzini M, Seoudy KS, Robinson JD, Barcenas CH, Cinciripini PM, Tripathy D, Ibrahim NK. The Impact of Treatment for Smoking on Breast Cancer Patients' Survival. Cancers (Basel) 14(6):1464, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35326615.
- Robinson JD, Cui Y, Karam-Hage M, Kypriotakis G, Versace F, Ait-Daoud Tiouririne N, Anthenelli RM, Cinciripini PM. Topiramate decreases the salience of motivationally relevant visual cues among smokers with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 46(3):384-395, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35037278.
- Peterson SK, Basen-Engquist K, Demark-Wahnefried W, Prokhorov AV, Shinn EH, Martch SL, Beadle BM, Garden AS, Farcas E, Brandon Gunn G, Fuller CD, Morrison WH, Rosenthal DI, Phan J, Eng C, Cinciripini PM, Karam-Hage MA, Camero Garcia M, Patrick K. Feasibility of Mobile and Sensor Technology for Remote Monitoring in Cancer Care and Prevention. AMIA Annu Symp Proc 2021:979-988, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35308916.
- Cui Y, Linares Abrego P, Yoon JH, Karam-Hage M, Cinciripini PM, Ait-Daoud Tiouririne N, Anthenelli RM, Robinson JD. Behavioral Economic Assessment of Alcohol and Cigarette Demand in Smokers With Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 12:674607, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34248711.
- Sheffer CE, Al-Zalabani A, Aubrey A, Bader R, Beltrez C, Bennett S, Carl E, Cranos C, Darville A, Greyber J, Karam-Hage M, Hawari F, Hutcheson T, Hynes V, Kotsen C, Leone F, McConaha J, McCary H, Meade C, Messick C, Morgan SK, Morris CW, Payne T, Retzlaff J, Santis W, Short E, Shumaker T, Steinberg M, Wendling A. The Emerging Global Tobacco Treatment Workforce: Characteristics of Tobacco Treatment Specialists Trained in Council-Accredited Training Programs from 2017 to 2019. Int J Environ Res Public Health 18(5):2416, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33801227.
Invited Articles
- Karam-Hage M, Minnix J, Cinciripini P. Alcohol and smoking cessation for cancer survivors. UpToDate, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
Book Chapters
- Gonzalez R, Karam-Hage M. Behavioral Approaches to Cancer Prevention. In: Cancer Medicine. 10th edition. Wiley Blackwell, 2021.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2023. Continuing to Smoke vs. Quitting and Impact on Psychiatric Comorbidities. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. What you need to know and how to help your patient quit smoking. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center - Grand Rounds. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. The impact of treating comorbid psychiatric conditions on ability to quit smoking. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center - Grand Rounds. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Tobacco Treatment Program at MD Anderson, e-cigarettes, and opportunities for research collaborations. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Tobacco Use Disorder and E-cigarettes: Are they good for patients to quit smoking?. Conference. TSAM. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Improvement of Smoking Abstinence Rates with increased Varenicline Dosage: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis. Conference. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Treating MD Anderson Cancer Patients for Tobacco Use. Conference. Division of Internal Medicine, MD Anderson. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Remote Mentoring For Tobacco Cessation (ECHO project). Conference. Cancer Prevention Platform MD Anderson (Lung Moonshot Project). Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Achieving Smoking Cessation. Conference. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Tobacco Use Disorder: Epidemiology, Biology and treatment. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Center for Recovering Families. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. From clinical experience in tobacco cessation to clinical research trials: A two way street. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Houston Maintenance Clinic. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Montrose Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. El Dorado Texas Community Services. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Best Recovery. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Cheyenne Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Hauser Clinic and Associates. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Smoking cessation research studies at MD Anderson. Conference. Career and Recovery Resources. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. What do we know about addiction? with focus on tobacco use and its treatments. Conference. National Arab American Medical Association. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Tobacco Use, Identification and Treatment. Conference. Houston Psychiatric Society Meeting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Assessing tobacco use and providing treatment (with Cinciripini PM, Rabius V). Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Assessing tobacco use and providing treatment (with Cinciripini PM, Rabius V). Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Assessing tobacco use and providing treatment (with Cinciripini PM, Rabius V). Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Assessing tobacco use and providing treatment (with Cinciripini PM, Rabius V). Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Tobacco: Reduce your risk. Conference. Metro. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Putting Research into Practice: Treating Tobacco Dependence in MD Anderson's Tobacco Treatment Program (with Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM). Conference. U T M D Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Advances and Future of Pharmacological Treatment of Nicotine Dependence (with Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM). Conference. The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Smoking Cessation. Conference. Santa Maria Hostel. Houston, TX, US.
- 2008. Texas Wellness and Smoking Policy Symposium. Conference. U. T. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2008. Tobacco and Nicotine Dependence: treatment updates. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2007. Nicotine Dependence, Smoking Cessation, & Translational Research. Conference. U. T. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2007. Opioid and Nicotine Addiction and Treatment Options. Conference. U. T. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2023. Smoking and your lungs. Conference. National Minority Quality Forum Connect: H-Town Health Fair. Virtual, US.
- 2023. Overcoming Addiction to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Substances. Conference. Khin Naing Foundation. Virtual, US.
- 2023. Initial tobacco treatment for cancer patients. Conference. Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center. Lubbock, TX, US.
- 2019. Opioid Use Disorder and Implication on Texans health. Conference. University of Texas. Austin, TX, US.
- 2019. Impact of a Tobacco Treatment Program in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Conference. Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM). Austin, TX, US.
- 2019. Opioid Use Disorder and its treatment. Conference. Association of Community Health Centers of Texas. Austin, TX, US.
- 2019. An Overview of Tobacco Prevention and Control Activities. Conference. Eliminate Tobacco Use Summit. Austin, TX, US.
- 2019. Opioid Use Disorder and its treatment. Conference. Texas Association of Community Health. Austin, TX, US.
- 2018. Tobacco Use Disorder: Impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Treatment Options. Conference. Texas Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Austin, TX, US.
- 2016. Tobacco Cessation Treatment updates. Conference. Texas Research Society on Alcoholism. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2005. Newer Pharmacological Treatments For Alcohol Dependence. Conference. University of Michigan, MI, US.
- 2003. Medical Marijuana: Is There Such a Thing?. Conference. Michigan Society of Addiction Medicine. Detroit, MI, US.
- 2003. Addictions: what you need to know. Conference. University of Michigan Summer Science Academy. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2003. Nicotine Effects On The Brain. Conference. University of Michigan Tobacco Consultation Service. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2002. Is it good to quit smoking during early recovery?. Conference. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2001. Nicotine and Psychiatry. Conference. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2001. Early Relapse Prevention to substances and pharmacotherapy. Conference. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2000. DSM-IV and Substance Abuse/Dependence. Conference. Community Mental Health. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 1998. Alcohol and Sleep: Research Findings. Conference. University of Michigan, MI, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Improving Outcomes for Cancer Patients Through Tobacco Abstinence (Zoom). Invited. Jacksonville, FL, US.
- 2025. Developing a Shared Community of Practice for Treating Tobacco Use Disorder. Poster. Society For Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2025. Examining Provider-Level Factors and Implementation Preconditions for Evidence-Based Policies and Procedures to Enact Systems Change in Opioid Treatment Programs to Address Disproportionately High Tobacco Use. Poster. Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. New Orleans, Louisiana, US.
- 2024. Leveraging iECHO Model to Enhance Tobacco Treatment Services in Healthcare. Poster. Healthier Texas Summit 2024. Austin, TX, US.
- 2024. Addressing High Tobacco Use Rates at Opioid Treatment Centers through Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Programming: A Funded Clinical Quality Improvement Study Protocol. Conference. American Academy of Health Behavior. Savannah, GA, US.
- 2023. The Relationships of Childhood Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to Smoking Outcomes in Cancer Patients. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Cross-Validation Of Smoking Consumption Collections Using Timeline Follow-Back And Digital Diary. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2022. Impact of Treating Insomnia Symptoms on Abstinence from Smoking - Poster. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2022. Increasing the accessibility of evidence-based treatment by transitioning the Tobacco Treatment specialist training to remote delivery. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2022. Utilization and reliability of smartphone-enabled carbon monoxide devices in a remote smoking cessation trial. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2021. Treatment Options for Cancer and Non Cancer smokers - Ground Rounds at LBJ. Invited. Lyndon B Johnson - Harris Health System. Virtual, US.
- 2021. What Providers Need to Know about Mental Health Treatment & Cancer. Invited. The National Council. Virtual Webinar, US.
- 2019. Connecting the Dots: Two Complementary Approaches to Enhance and Sustain Tobacco Treatment Practices within Health Systems. Conference. National Conference on Tobacco or Health. Minneapolis, MN, US.
- 2018. Real-Time Audio/Video Versus In-Person Treatment for Smoking. Conference. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Bonita Springs, FL, US.
- 2017. The Impact of Treating Psychiatric Comorbidities On The Ability To Quit Smoking. Conference. Paper Presentation. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2015. A multi-layered smoking cessation program for cancer patients: first year outcomes (Poster Presentation). Conference. 21st Annual Meeting Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2014. Bupropion XL has the same effectiveness and similar side effect profile as bupropion SR when used for smoking cessation among cancer patients. Conference. 2014 SRNT 20th Annual Meeting. Seattle, WA, US.
- 2013. Patients with serious psychiatric illness and tobacco addiction. Invited. AAAP 24th Annual Meeting and Symposium. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2013. Screening and therapeutic options for smoking cessation. Invited. 2013 Primary Care Summit - Dallas. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2013. Screening and therapeutic options for smoking cessations. Invited. 2013 Primary Care Summit - Houston. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Clinical MD Anderson Breakout Session: What will it take to enable telemedicine efforts at MD Anderson. Invited. MD Anderson Telemedicine and Telesurgery in Cancer Care Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Treatment of Additions in emergency room. Residents and medical students. Invited. AUB Department of Psychiatry, US.
- 2013. Review of smoking cessation guideline treatment recommendations and recent advances in pharmacological intervention for nicotine dependence. Invited. Moon Shots: Connect for Global Networking. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Subjective ratings of cigarette-related, emotional, and neutral images in current smokers, smokers receiving smoking cessation treatment, and never-smokers (with Slapin A, Francesco V, Robinson JD, Lam CY, Minnix JA, Cui Y, Engelmann JM, Wetter DW, Cinciripini PM) Poster presentation. Conference. 2013 SRNT Annual Meeting. Boston, MA, US.
- 2013. Pioneering the delivery of tobacco cessation program to MD Anderson Regional Care Centers. Invited. Challenges for increasing access to cancer care in the digital era using Telemedicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Dissociation between brain responses to cigarette cues and natural rewards in smokers (with Versace F, Englemann JM, Robinson JD, Jackson EF, Lam CY, Minnix JA, Brown VL, Wetter DW, Cinciripini PM)Poster presentation. Conference. 18th Annual Meeting of Society for Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2012. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Smoking cessation as a function of physical and psychiatric comorbidities (with Rabius V, Lam C, Merriman K, Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM) Poster presentation. Conference. 2012 SRNT 18th Annual Meeting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Web-streamed Didactic Instruction on Substance Abuse Compares Favorably with Live Lecture Format with Brower K, Mullan P, Gay T, Gruppen L) Poster presentation. Conference. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry 22nd Annual Meeting. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2011. MD Anderson Cancer Center Tobacco Treatment Program: Effective smoking cessation assistance for cancer patients (with Rabius V, Lam C, Merriman K, Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM) Poster presentation. Conference. CPRIT Innovations in Cancer Prevention Conference. Austin, TX, US.
- 2011. Effectiveness of smoking cessation assistance for cancer patients (with Rabius V, Cinciripini PM, Blalock JA, Lam C). Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting: 165 (#POS5-114). Conference. 2011 SRNT 17th Annual Meeting, US.
- 2010. Increasing Varenicline to 3 mgs/day Improves Abstinence Rates: A Preliminary Efficacy Report in Cancer Patients (with Lam C, Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM). Poster presentation at Proceedings of SRNT Annual Meeting. Conference. Society For Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2008. Economic Evaluation of a Tobacco Cessation Program (with Miller LA, Lal LS, Mallen M, Feng C, Blalock J, Cinciripini PM). Poster presentation at the European Congress 11th Annual Meeting. Conference. European Congress, US.
- 2007. Development of a clinical treatment pathways for a unique tobacco cessation program within a comprehensive cancer center (with Heater ML, Mallen M, Evans M, Blalock J, Cinciripini P) Poster presentation at the Oncology Nursing Society 2007 Annual Meeting. Conference. Oncology Nursing Society 2007 APN Conference. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2006. Effects of smoking cues on craving for alcohol and cigarettes in drinkers who smoke (with Pomerleau CS, Snedecor SM, Pomerleau OF) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Austin, TX, US.
- 2006. Acquired Knowledge of Addiction Among Psychiatry Residents by Repeat Testing (with Mullan P, Brower K, Gruppen L) Poster presentation at American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) Annual Meeting. Conference. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) 17th Annual Meeting. St. Petersburg, FL, US.
- 2006. Impact of DSM-IV lifetime alcohol use disorders, depression and the two combined on smoking-related variables (with Pomerleau CS, Snedecor SM, Pomerleau OF) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society for the Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2006. Characteristics of early and late onset smokers (with Ninowski R, Pomerleau CS, Snedecor SM, Mehringer AM, Pomerleau OF) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2006. Psychiatric patients at intake: Tobacco use profile and interest in quitting smoking (with Pomerleau CS, Langenecker SA, Snedecor SM) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2006. Sex specific differences between smokers with and without DSM-IV alcohol abuse (with Adams K, Pomerleau CS, Snedecor SM, Pomerleau OF) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2004. Unaided smoking cessation at six-month follow-up in smokers in treatment for alcohol dependence (with Pomerleau CS, Pomerleau OF, Brower KJ) Poster presentation. Conference. Blending Research and Clinical Practice Conference. Detroit, MI, US.
- 2004. Unaided smoking cessation at six-month follow-up in smokers in treatment for alcohol dependence (with Pomerleau CS, Pomerleau OF, Brower KJ) Poster presentation at Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2004. Differences between smokers with and without a history of excessive alcohol use (with Pomerleau CS, Pomerleau OF, Snedecor SM) Poster presentation at Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2003. Motivational Interviewing Workshop. Invited. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Scottsdale, AZ, US.
- 2003. Evaluating Acquired Knowledge of Addiction Among Psychiatry Residents by Repeat Testing (with Gruppen L, Frohna A, Closer M, and Brower KJ)Poster presentation at American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Annual Meeting. Conference. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry meeting. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2003. Nicotine Dependency. Invited. Michigan Society of Addiction Medicine, US.
- 2003. A Randomized, Double Blind Pilot Trial of Gabapentin vs. Placebo to Treat Alcohol Dependence (with Brower KJ, Kim HM, Strobbe SS, Zucker R, Greden J) Poster presentation at the Biologic Psychiatry Annual Meeting. Conference. Biologic Psychiatry Meeting, US.
- 2002. Mini-outcome study of treatment at CATC (with Mankowski J) Poster presentation. Conference. Summer Biomedical Research Program, US.
- 2002. Bupropion for Smoking Cessation/Reduction Among Alcoholics During Early Recovery: Open trial (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. Conference. Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT). Savannah, GA, US.
- 2001. Mu Opioid Receptor Binding In Alcohol Dependent Volunteers In Early Recovery: Clinical Correlates (with Brower KJ, Zucker RA, and Zubieta JC) Poster presentation at American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting. Conference. American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), HI, US.
- 2001. Bupropion Tx for Smoking Cessation Alcoholics During Early Recovery (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at the Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting. Conference. Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT). Seattle, WA, US.
- 2000. Smoking Cessation Among Alcoholics in Early Recovery, a Review (with Thompson K, Brower KJ) Poster presentation at the AAAP Annual Meeting. Conference. AAAP Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ, US.
- 2000. Gabapentin Superior to Trazodone in Treating Insomnia among Alcoholics in Early Recovery (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at the ACNP Annual Meeting. Conference. ACNP Annual Meeting, PR, US.
- 2000. Trazodone Versus Gabapentin For Treatment of Insomnia of Alcoholics in Early Recovery (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) Annual Meeting. Conference. Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA). Denver, CO, US.
- 2000. Polysomnography Pre- and Post-Gabapentin For Insomnia in Alcoholic Outpatients: Preliminary Findings (with Brower KJ, Aldrich MS) Poster presentation at American Academy of Sleep Medicine Annual Meeting. Conference. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 1999. Successful Treatment of Insomnia with Gabapentin in Alcoholics (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) Annual Meeting. Conference. Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA). Santa Barbara, CA, US.
- 1998. Gabapentin Treatment of Sleep Disturbance In Substance Dependent Patients (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting. Conference. American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, PR, US.
- 1998. Patients' Use of The Internet In a Psychiatric Clinic (with Riba MB, Huang MP) Poster presentation at Institute on Psychiatric Services Annual Meeting. Conference. Institute on Psychiatric Services. Los Angeles, CA, US.
- 1998. Dual Diagnosis Treatments and Mechanisms. Invited. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 1998. Persistent Sleep Disturbance In Problem Drinkers, Psychiatric Severity and Depression (with Brower KJ, Luke M, and Zucker RA) Poster presentation at Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting. Conference. Research Society on Alcoholism. Hilton Head, SC, US.
- Linking Training and Continuous Education: Developing a Comprehensive Approach to Tobacco Treatment Training. Poster. 2025 National Conference on Tobacco or Health. Chicago, Illinois, US.
International Presentations
- 2024. The Effects of Smoking Cessation on Overall Survival Among Patients with and without Cancer. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT). Edinburgh, GB.
- 2023. The Association Of Substance Use Disorder And Ability To Quit Smoking Among Cancer Patients. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. San Antonio, US.
- 2022. Smoking cessation in Breast Cancer. Invited. Dubai International Oncology & Supportive Care Congress. Dubai, AE.
- 2022. Association Between Quitting Smoking and Survival in Cancer Patients. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, US.
- 2021. Actual treatment and challenges in smoking cessation treatment, "Novedades y retos en el tratamiento para dejar de fumar". Invited. La Sociedad Mexicana De Neumologia y Cirugia de Torax. Mexico City, MX.
- 2018. Tobacco Use Disorder: Neurobiology, treatment and Future directions by FDA. Invited. Lebanese American University-Medical Center. Beirut, LB.
- 2017. Emerging data on treating heavily addicted smokers: higher doses of Varenicline and combining Varenicline with Bupropion Maher Karam-Hage. Invited. Princess Ghida Bin Talal. Amman, JO.
- 2017. Monitoring Tobacco Dependence Treatment Services: learning from the experience of MD Anderson. Invited. Princess Ghida Bin Talal. Amman, JO.
- 2017. Comorbid common psychiatric condition and the impact on the ability to quit smoking. Invited. Princess Ghida Bin Talal. Amman, JO.
- 2017. Increasing Varenicline to 3mg Per Day Improves Smoking Abstinence: A propensity Score Analysis. Conference. SRNT. Florence, IT.
- 2016. Research and New Treatments For Tobacco Use Disorder. Invited. 17th World Conference on Lung Cancer. Vienna, AT.
- 2016. Disseminating a Tele-mentoring Tobacco Cessation Case Consultation and Provider Education Model to Community Mental Health Centers in Texas. Conference. American Public Health Association 2016 Annual Meeting. Denver, US.
- 2016. A Comprehensive Tobacco Treatment Program. Invited. KHCC. Aman, JO.
- 2016. Advances in Tobacco Cessation. Invited. American University of Beirut. Beirut, LB.
- 2014. Tobacco cessation and lung cancer screening: opportunities and challenges. Invited. A plenary presentation at the Annual CHEST international conference. Austin, US.
- 2014. The smoking gun: how we handle tobacco. Invited. The 14th International American Lebanese Medical Association Congress. Beirut, US.
- 2014. Feasibility of using home-based mobile sensors for remote patient monitoring in cance care and prevention. Conference. ASCO 2014 conference. Chicago, US.
- 2013. Panel discussion as part of planning symposium for naufar treatment center. Invited. naufar Project, QA.
- 2013. Basics of tobacco treatment. Invited. Conference on Tobacco at American Hospital, TR.
- 2013. Use of electronic health records increases referrals to the Tobacco Treatment Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center (with Rabius V, Lam CY, Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM)Poster presentation. Conference. 2013 SRNT 19th Annual International Meeting. Boston, US.
- 2013. Prevention in Cancer: Focus on Tobacco Cessation. Invited. Advances in Medicine. Houston, US.
- 2012. Tobacco Dependence: Advanced treatment strategies to psychiatrists, psychologists and healthcare providers. Invited. Implications of the New Tobacco Law in Lebanon. Beirut, LB.
- 2012. Diagnosing and Treating Alcohol and Tobacco Among Head and Neck Patients. Invited. Society of head and Neck Cancer. Toronto, CA.
- 2012. Assessing tobacco use and providing tobacco cessation to cancer patients. Poster Presentation. Conference. American Association of Cancer REsearch 2012 Annual Meeting. Chicago, US.
- 2012. Assessing tobacco use and providing tobacco cessation to cancer patients (with Cinciripini P, Rabius V, Lam C, Merriman K, Blalock J). Invited. 2012 Annual Meeting of American Association of Cancer Research. Chicago, US.
- 2011. Smoking Addiction: Current and Future treatment options. Invited. American Lebanese Medical Association. Beirut, LB.
- 2011. A Comprehensive Tobacco-Cessation Treatment for Cancer Patients: 12-Month follow-up Abstinence Rates (with Blalock JA, Cinciripini PM). Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 17th Annual Meeting. Conference. 2011 SRNT 17th Annual Meeting. Toronto, CA.
- 2009. Nicotine Withdrawal in Chronically Depressed Smokers Undergoing Intensive Smoking Cessation Treatment (with Blalock JA, Robinson JD, Cinciripini PM, Brown RA, McCullough JP). Poster Presentation at 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health Conference Annual Meeting. Conference. 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health Conference. Mumbai, IN.
- 2006. Medical Students Conduct Smoking Cessation Counseling (with Mullan PB, Spector A, Alpert H) Poster presentation at American Association for Cancer Education Annual Meeting. Conference. American Association for Cancer Education. San Diego, US.
- 2006. Smoking Cessation: The Know How. Invited. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Abu Dhabi, AE.
- 2006. Treatment of Alcohol Dependence. Invited. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Abu Dhabi, AE.
- 2005. Differences in response to initial experimentation with smoking in never smokers based on fam history of smoking & problem drinking (with Ninowski R, Pomerleau CS, Snedecor SM, Mehringer AM, Pomerleau OF) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Research Annual Meeting. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Research. Prague, CZ.
- 2005. Differential Impact of DSM-IV Alcohol Abuse and Dependence On Smoking (with Pomerleau CS, Snedecor SM, Pomerleau OF) Poster presentation at Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Conference. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Prague, CZ.
- 2004. Cigarette & alcohol cue reactivity in alcoholic smokers. Invited. American Psychiatric Association. New York, US.
- 2001. Bupropion Treatment for Smoking Alcoholics and expired CO (with Brower KJ) Poster presentation at RSA Annual Meeting. Conference. RSA Annual Meeting. Montreal, CA.
- 2000. Bupropion For Smoking Cessation Among Alcoholics During Early Recovery. Invited. American Psychiatric Association (APA). Chicago, US.
- 2000. Bupropion For Smoking Cessation Among Alcoholics During Early Recovery (with Thompson K, Brower KJ) Poster presentation at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting. Conference. American Psychiatric Association (APA). Chicago, US.
- 1999. Modifying Residents’ Professional Attitudes About Substance Abuse Tx & Training (with Nerenberg L, Brower KJ) Poster presentation at American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) Annual Meeting. Conference. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP). Nassau, BS.
- 1999. Mu Opioid Receptor Binding In Alcohol Dependent Volunteers In Early Recovery (with Brower KJ, Zubieta JC, and Zucker RA) Poster presentation at Am. Col. of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) Annual Meeting. Conference. Am. Col. of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP). Acapulco, MX.
- 1996. Low Dose Neuroleptics is Beneficial for Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia (with Tandon R) Poster presentation at American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting. Conference. American Psychiatric Association. New York, US.
- 1996. Oxytocin Regulation of Glutamate Receptors at AMPA (with Liberzon I, and Meador-Woodruff J) Poster presentation at American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting. Conference. American Psychiatric Association. New York, US.
Formal Peers
- 2024. Tobacco Use, Prevention Strategies and Lung Cancer Screening. Invited. Memorial Hermann Medical Group. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. Update on treatment options for tobacco disorder. Visiting. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. Initial Interventions For Treating Tobacco Use Disorder. Invited. UT Southwestern Medical Center - Grand Rounds. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2024. Tobacco treatment comorbidities and obstacles. Invited. Action on Smoking and Health. Washington DC, US.
- 2022. Electronic cigarettes, vaping and new synthetic nicotine: Are they good or harmful for public health. Invited. LBJ Hospital Harris Health. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Telehealth & Related Technologies to Help Patients Quit Smoking, Vaping and other Tobacco. Invited. Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center - Grand Rounds, US.
- 2020. Screening For and Treating Tobacco Use Disorder to Prevent Lung Cancer. Invited. The University of Texas. Tyler, TX, US.
- 2020. Tobacco treatment at MD Anderson. Invited. Baylor college of medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Medication Treatment for tobacco Use disorder. Invited. UT Health, McGovern Medical School. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Opioid Use Disorder and its treatment. Invited. Community Health Network. Pearland, TX, US.
- 2019. Tobacco Treatment and Lung Cancer Screening. Invited. Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening Shared Decision Making. Invited. Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Tobacco Use Disorder and Its Treatment. Invited. Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Achieving Freedom from Tobacco Use. Visiting. The Outer Banks Hospital. Nags Head, NC, US.
- 2017. How to Screen and Help Your Patients Achieve Freedom from Tobacco: Evidence-Based Strategies and Best Practices from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Visiting. The Outer Banks Hospital. Nags Head, NC, US.
- 2017. How To Build A Tobacco Treatment Program. Invited. Novant Health System. Charlotte, NC, US.
- 2017. Tobacco Use Disorder and treatment for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Invited. Florida State University, College of Medicine. Jacksonville, FL, US.
- 2017. Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine products: Risk for cancer. Invited. Marathon Petroleum Company. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2013. Tobacco treatment: current and future pharmacological options. Visiting. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Smoking Cessation: the basics for Medical Trainees. Visiting. American University of Beirut. Beirut, Lebanon, LB.
- 2011. Tobacco: Reduce your cancer risks. Invited. San Jacinto College. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Tobacco cessation as cancer prevention. Invited. Schlumberger, US.
- 2009. Clinical Access and Efficiency. Invited. University of Texas. Austin, TX, US.
- 2006. Smoking and depression comorbidity and treatment options (with Duffy S). Invited. University of Michigan Depression Center. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2006. What is and how to use Suboxone (buprenorphine). Invited. University of Michigan Health System. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2006. How to Recognize Children and Adolescents Substance Use. Invited. Salina Public School. Dearborn, MI, US.
- 2006. Using Suboxone (buprenorphine) for hospital detoxification. Invited. Chelsea Community Hospital, MI, US.
- 2006. New Trends in Substance Abuse Treatments. Invited. Ann Arbor VA Health System. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2005. How to Recognize Children and Adolescents Substance Use. Invited. Northville High School, MI, US.
- 2005. Buprenorphine the basics. Invited. Chelsea Community Hospital, MI, US.
- 2005. Dual Diagnosis and the Minkoff Model. Invited. Presentation to community mental health providers. Albion, MI, US.
- 2005. How to Recognize Children and Adolescents Substance Use. Invited. Chelsea Community Hospital, MI, US.
- 2005. Buprenorphine the basics. Invited. Chelsea Community Hospital, MI, US.
- 2005. What is addiction and what to look for. Invited. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2005. How to Recognize Children and Adolescents Substance Use. Invited. Chelsea Public School, MI, US.
- 2004. Pain and the Substance Abusing Patient. Invited. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2004. Children and Adolescents substance use. Invited. Michigan Center for Diagnosis and Referral (MCDR). Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2004. How to Recognize Children and Adolescents Substance Use. Invited. Michigan Center for Diagnosis and Referral (MCDR), MI, US.
- 2003. Guidelines for Smoking Cessation. Invited. Chelsea Community Hospital. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2003. Children and Adolescents substance use. Invited. Michigan Center for Diagnosis and Referral (MCDR). Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2003. Nuts and Bolts of Quitting smoking. Invited. Chelsea Community Hospital. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2003. Substance Abuse in the Emergency Room. Invited. Herrick Memorial Hospital and Bixby Medical Center (ProMedica). Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2002. DSM-IV and Epidemiology of Substance Abuse/Dependence. Invited. Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2002. Determinants of Addictive Behaviors. Invited. Metropolitan Detroit Rehabilitation Association. Detroit, MI, US.
- 2001. Pharmacotherapy and Relapse Prevention. Invited. Ann Arbor Center for the Family. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | FATIGUE-MUSIC: Functional Analysis of Therapy Involving Guided Use of EEG and fMRI for Music in Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue, Sleep, and Inflammation |
| Funding Source: | NIH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01CA309223-01 |
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | Advanced Precision Medicine in Cancer-Related Depression through Computational Approaches |
| Funding Source: | NIH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1UG3MH141001-01 |
| Date: | 2025 - 2028 |
| Title: | Personalized rTMS as adjuvant to behavioral weight loss treatments: A proof-of-concept trial |
| Funding Source: | NIH |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 1RO1DK143995-01 |
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | Identifying the likelihood of dual use of combustible and electronic cigarettes by substance cue response |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01DA062617-01 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2026 |
| Title: | Bayesian neurobehavioral phenotyping: from mechanism identification to personalized neuromodulation treatments |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R61DA058276-01A1 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2025 |
| Title: | Personalized neurostimulation for smoking cessation in cancer patients: an image guided approach |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Neuroscience Program |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2024 - 2027 |
| Title: | UT Foundation on behalf of MD Anderson, Eliminate Tobacco Use Initiative + |
| Funding Source: | Elevance Health Foundation |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2024 - 2027 |
| Title: | Can accelerated tailored rTMS improve the outcomes of behavioral weight loss treatments? A proof-of-concept trial |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01DK133481-01A1 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2029 |
| Title: | The impact of switching smoking cessation treatment non-responders to high-dose rescue pharmacotherapy |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01CA289050 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2025 |
| Title: | Houston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (H-NORC)-PILOT PROJECT: "Evaluating the Feasibility of Accelerated Theta Burst Stimulation as an Adjunct Therapy for Obesity: A Phase 1 Trial" |
| Funding Source: | Baylor College of Medicine |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | P700001066 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2028 |
| Title: | Comparative Effectiveness of Sequential Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies and Virtually Delivered Treatment to Optimal Smoking Cessation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01CA278938-01A1 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research (STRONGER) Scholar Program |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Mentor |
| ID: | 1R25DA059907-01 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Cancer Prevention Education: Student Research Experiences |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Mentor |
| ID: | 5R25CA056452-29 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Penn State TCORS Project 3: Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial of Nicotine Pouches in Smokers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U54DA058271 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | A Novel Risk Mitigation Strategy for Reducing Nonmedical Opioid Use in Medically Underserved Patients with Cancer Pain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01CA285288-01 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2025 |
| Title: | Implementation and Dissemination of an Evidence-Based Intervention to Increase Tobacco Treatment Capacity in Opioid Treatment Programs |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP230078 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2025 |
| Title: | Olanzapine for Opioid Craving and Non-Medical Opioid Use in High-Risk Patients with Cancer Pain |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R21CA282391-01 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | (PISCES)Comparative Effectiveness of Sequential Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies and Virtually Delivered Treatment to Optimize Smoking Cessation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01CA278938 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2029 |
| Title: | Comparative Effectiveness of Virtually Delivered Sequential Smoking Cessation Treatment |
| Funding Source: | Patient-Centered Outcomes Res Inst (PCORI) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 25026 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Electronic cigarette uptake and health impact among cancer patients and survivors motivated to reduce combustible cigarette smoking |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01CA277768-01 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2025 |
| Title: | A precision medicine approach to reducing overeating: neurocircuitry-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDDK |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1 R01 DK133481-01 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2024 |
| Title: | Smartphone-delivered scheduled smoking with biochemical monitoring as an adjunct cessation therapy |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R21DA055765-01 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2028 |
| Title: | Comparative Effectiveness of Virtually Delivered Sequential Smoking Cessation Treatment |
| Funding Source: | PCORI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | FP00012394 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Tobacco Cessation Clinic Enhancement Program - TCCEP |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Cancer Center Tobacco Settlement Funds |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | Not Applicable |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Opioid-Sparing Interdisciplinary Interventions Addressing Pain in Head and Neck Cancer Patients |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Other Significant Contributor |
| ID: | 1R21CA252446-01A1 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2024 |
| Title: | Toward a precision medicine approach to reducing cue-induced overeating: neurocircuitry-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01DK129261-01 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2025 |
| Title: | Improving Health Utilization and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation and their Family Caregivers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Other significant contributor |
| ID: | 1R01CA247307-01A1 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2026 |
| Title: | The potential risks and benefits of electronic cigarettes to older smokers at high risk for lung cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| ID: | R01CA238478 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2020 |
| Title: | CCSG supplement: DCPPS Expanding the reach of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Tobacco Treatment Program |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Other Significant Contributor |
| ID: | FP00002373_Rev14 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | Toward a precision medicine approach to reducing cue-induced overeating: neurocircuitry-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R21DK124715-01A1 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2024 |
| Title: | Endophenotypic differences in cue response may predict the ability to transition from combustible cigarette to electronic cigarette use |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01DA049153-01A1 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | Opioid-Sparing Interdisciplinary Interventions Addressing Pain in Head and Neck Cancer Patients |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Other Significant Contributor |
| ID: | 1R21CA252446-01 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2023 |
| Title: | Assessment of the potential risks and benefits of electronic cigarettes to smokers at high risk for lung cancer |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| ID: | RP200305 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2024 |
| Title: | Evaluating the feasibility of a dual inhibitory control training-based mobile intervention for smoking |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-Mentor |
| ID: | 1K01DA048059-01A1 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2022 |
| Title: | The potential risks and benefits of electronic cigarettes to smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01HL147345-01 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2024 |
| Title: | The potential risks and benefits of electronic cigarettes to older smokers at high risk for lung cancer Older smokers at high risk for lung cancer are often unwilling or unable to quit smoking, and may benefit from switching to potentially less harmful nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| ID: | R01CA238478 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2022 |
| Title: | PISCES, Comparative Effectiveness of Sequential Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies and Virtually Delivered Treatment to Optimize Smoking Cessation |
| Funding Source: | MD Anderson Lung Moonshot Program |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| Date: | 2018 - 2024 |
| Title: | Gender differences in Standard Research E-Cigarette (SREC) product use, acceptability, reinforcement, and nicotine dependence symptoms |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U01DA047875 |
| Date: | 2018 - 2024 |
| Title: | Gender differences in Standard Research E-Cigarette (SREC) product use, acceptability, reinforcement, and nicotine dependence symptoms |
| Funding Source: | NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U01DA047875 |
| Date: | 2016 - 2023 |
| Title: | Optimizing Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Invention During LDCT screening for Lung Cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | R01CA207078 |
| Date: | 2016 - 2021 |
| Title: | The effects of celecoxib on cancer-related fatigue & inflammatory processes |
| Funding Source: | NIH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2016 - 2021 |
| Title: | Promoting long-term abstinence from smoking among cancer patients |
| Funding Source: | NIH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2015 - 2020 |
| Title: | Evaluating concomitant use of very low nicotine content cigarettes and e-cigarettes among daily and non-daily smokers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1 R01 DA 040936-01 |
| Date: | 2015 - 2022 |
| Title: | Evaluating concomitant use of very low nicotine content cigarettes and e-cigarettes among daily and non-daily smokers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1 R01 DA042526-01 |
| Date: | 2015 - 2020 |
| Title: | Evaluating concomitant use of very-low nicotine content cigarettes and E-cigarettes among daily and non-daily smokers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2015 - 2018 |
| Title: | Varenicline and Combined NRT for initial smoking cessation and rescue treatment in smokers: a randomized pilot trial |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | RP150228 |
| Date: | 2014 - 2017 |
| Title: | Intrinsic Reward Sensitivity & Smoking Cessation with Varenicline or Patch NRT |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | RP140262 |
| Date: | 2014 - 2017 |
| Title: | Evaluating new Nicotine standards for cigarettes - Project 2 |
| Funding Source: | University of Minnesota |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 5U54 DA031659-04 |
| Date: | 2014 - 2017 |
| Title: | QuitBuddy: a mobile/social network therapy approach to relapse prevention |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2014 - 2017 |
| Title: | Reward sensitivity and smoking cessation using counseling plus NRT or Varenicline |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2014 - 2017 |
| Title: | Integration of evidence-based tobacco treatments into primary health clinics |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2013 - 2018 |
| Title: | STAR, Lung Moonshot Initiative: Adult Cessation Moon Shot |
| Funding Source: | UT MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2013 - 2018 |
| Title: | Lung Moonshot Initiative: Youth cessation moon shot |
| Funding Source: | UT MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2013 - 2016 |
| Title: | Integration of evidence-based tobacco treatments into primary care clinics |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2013 - 2014 |
| Title: | Evaluating New Nicotine Standards for Cigarettes-Project 1 |
| Funding Source: | University of Pittsburgh |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | DA-031659-02S1 |
| Date: | 2012 - 2017 |
| Title: | Identifying topiramate's therapeutic mechanisms through motivational salience |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01DA033289-01A1 |
| Date: | 2010 - 2016 |
| Title: | New pharmacotherapy for alcohol and co-morbid disorders |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 5R01AA019720-05 |
| Date: | 2010 - 2015 |
| Title: | Pharmacogenetics of nicotine addiction treatment |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U01-DA020830 |
| Date: | 2009 - 2013 |
| Title: | Intensive Smoking Cessation Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Patients |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01CA12013 |
| Date: | 2009 - 2012 |
| Title: | Project 3 Leader: Concurrent vs. sequential smoking and physical activity intervention for cancer survivors |
| Funding Source: | MDACC -MRP |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2009 - 2015 |
| Title: | Effectiveness of Varenicline vs. Varenicline plus Bupropion for smoking cessation |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 5 R01DA024709 03 |
| Date: | 2008 - 2010 |
| Title: | Phase 4, prospective, multi-national, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate smoking cessation with varenicline tartrate compared with placebo in the setting of patient self-selected (flexible) quit date |
| Funding Source: | Pfizer |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Date: | 2006 - 2011 |
| Title: | Smoking Cessation Intervention for Depressed Smokers: Treatment Development |
| Funding Source: | NIMH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1 R01 MH076776-01A1 |
| Date: | 2005 - 2012 |
| Title: | Pharmacogenetics, Emotional Reactivity and Smoking Cessation: Genetic Differences in Limbic Activation Associated with Nicotine Withdrawal |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 5 R01 DA017073-02S1 |
| Date: | 2004 - 2006 |
| Title: | Cigarette & alcohol cue reactivity in alcoholic smokers (Pilot Study) |
| Funding Source: | U. of Michigan Tobacco Research Network (UMTRN) |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2004 - 2012 |
| Title: | Pharmacogenetics, Emotional Reactivity and Smoking |
| Funding Source: | NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 5R01DA017073-01 |
| Date: | 2004 - 2005 |
| Title: | Training and Career Development for Dr. Maher Karam-Hage |
| Funding Source: | University of Michigan Tobacco Research Network grant |
| Role: | Mentee |
| Date: | 2003 - 2011 |
| Title: | A Mood Management Intervention for Pregnant Smokers |
| Funding Source: | NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 5R01 DA14301 |
| Date: | 2003 - 2007 |
| Title: | Effects of family smoking history in never-smokers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01 DA14662 |
| Date: | 2003 - 2005 |
| Title: | Multinational, Multicenter Double Blind Placebo Controlled Smoking Cessation Trial with Rimonabant a Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonist |
| Funding Source: | Sanofi-Synthelabo |
| Role: | Study Physician |
| Date: | 2003 - 2005 |
| Title: | Differentiation of phenotypes for smoking |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01 DA06529 |
| Date: | 2003 - 2006 |
| Title: | SUPPLEMENT - Bupropion-SR for smoking cessation among alcoholics during early recovery: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study |
| Funding Source: | University of Michigan General Clinical Research Center grant |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2003 - 2005 |
| Title: | Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 2 oral doses of rimonabant, 5 mg/day and 20 mg/day, vs. placebo, as an aid to maintenance of smoking cessation – a multiple country, randomized, double-blind, 5 arm, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, fixed dose, 2-year, multi-center, Phase III trial; 1-year treatment, 1 year follow-up |
| Funding Source: | Sanofi-Synthelabo |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | EFC4796 |
| Date: | 2002 - 2003 |
| Title: | Medical Scholars Education Program (MESP) |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2002 - 2004 |
| Title: | Bupropion-SR for smoking cessation among alcoholics during early recovery: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study |
| Funding Source: | University of Michigan Medical School Advisory Council on Clinical Research grant |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 1999 - 2013 |
| Title: | Enhanced Smoking Cessation Program for University Students |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| ID: | R01CA069425-09 |
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CV information above last modified March 28, 2025