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Speaker Biography...

James L. Sorensen

University of California at San Francisco, USA

James L. Sorensen

James L. Sorensen, Ph.D. serves as Professor of Psychiatry at University of California San Francisco and is Director of a node in the NIDA-sponsored Clinical Trials Network. Dr. Sorensen’s research in drug abuse began 30 years ago, directing a NIDA-funded double-blind study of detoxification from heroin using LAAM or methadone. An experienced investigator, Dr. Sorensen has published over 200 articles, chapters, and books. Dr. Sorensen has strong background as an academic leader: He has served as President of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors and also the American Psychological Association’s Division of Psychologists in Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse.

Dr. Sorensen has led seven NIH R01 research grants, was Director of the NIDA-funded San Francisco Treatment Research Unit (1989-1994), and leads or participates in numerous other NIH and non-governmentally supported research and training programs. Dr. Sorensen has tested the efficacy of small-group HIV/AIDS education with drug users in three treatment modalities, investigated the utility of case management for substance abusers with HIV disease, developed strategies to help drug users with HIV/AIDS to take their medications more consistently, and has examined the utility of linking emergency departments to substance dependence treatment and the use of incentives in care of people with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Sorensen is also a Co-Principal Investigator of the NIDA-funded P50 San Francisco Treatment Research Center, and he leads a NIDA training grant, Postdoctoral Training in Drug Abuse Treatment and Services Research.

Dr. Sorensen has made the linking of research and clinical practice his major area of focus for the next decade and is a member of the NIDA National Advisory Council.