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Yelena P. Wu

Yelena P. Wu, PhD

Languages spoken: English
  • Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology

    Investigator, Huntsman Cancer Institute

    View CV (PDF)

    Dr. Wu's research focuses on fostering optimal health outcomes among youths (children, adolescents, and young adults) affected by cancer. Her work includes individuals who have a personal history of cancer and those who are at risk for developing cancer. The goal of this work is to support youths and their families in understanding their risk for cancer or other undesired health outcomes and in carrying out behaviors that will promote their health. Dr. Wu's ongoing research studies include testing new behavioral interventions to promote implementation of cancer prevention behaviors among children and their families, particularly to prevent skin cancer. In addition, Dr. Wu is co-leading a project to support COVID-19 testing among staff, students, and families in schools in Utah.

    Dr. Wu has provided consultation and therapy services to medical teams, caregivers, and children, adolescents, and young adults with a range of chronic health conditions and in inpatient and outpatient medical settings. These services are provided to promote adjustment to the chronic condition, to improve self-management of the health condition, to facilitate communication between patients, families, and the medical team, to collaborate with medical teams to address psychosocial and adherence issues, and to address specific challenges impacting management of the chronic condition (e. g., behavioral problems, depression, anxiety).

    Specialties

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Dermatology - Primary
    Pediatrics - Adjunct
    Population Health Sciences - Adjunct
  • Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology

    Investigator, Huntsman Cancer Institute

    View CV (PDF)

    Dr. Wu's research focuses on fostering optimal health outcomes among youths (children, adolescents, and young adults) affected by cancer. Her work includes individuals who have a personal history of cancer and those who are at risk for developing cancer. The goal of this work is to support youths and their families in understanding their risk for cancer or other undesired health outcomes and in carrying out behaviors that will promote their health. Dr. Wu's ongoing research studies include testing new behavioral interventions to promote implementation of cancer prevention behaviors among children and their families, particularly to prevent skin cancer. In addition, Dr. Wu is co-leading a project to support COVID-19 testing among staff, students, and families in schools in Utah.

    Dr. Wu has provided consultation and therapy services to medical teams, caregivers, and children, adolescents, and young adults with a range of chronic health conditions and in inpatient and outpatient medical settings. These services are provided to promote adjustment to the chronic condition, to improve self-management of the health condition, to facilitate communication between patients, families, and the medical team, to collaborate with medical teams to address psychosocial and adherence issues, and to address specific challenges impacting management of the chronic condition (e. g., behavioral problems, depression, anxiety).

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Dermatology -Primary
    Pediatrics -Adjunct
    Population Health Sciences -Adjunct

    Research interests

    • Risk Communication
    • Familial Melanoma
    • Treatment Adherence
    • Cancer Genetics
    • Pediatric Psychology
    • Clinical Child Psychology
    • Skin Cancer Prevention

    Education history

    Postdoctoral Fellowship Center for Adherence and Self-Management, Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology - Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Postdoctoral Fellow
    Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology - Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Predoctoral Internship
    Doctoral Training Clinical Child Psychology, Minor in Quantitative Psychology - University of Kansas Ph.D.
    Clinical Child Psychology - University of Kansas M.A.
    Undergraduate Psychology - University of California Berkeley B.A.