Michael Hayes

Dr. Michael Hayes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Penn State Cancer Institute and Penn State Neuroscience Institute. He directs the Patient Services HUB Program, providing comprehensive support to cancer patients and families through on-site resources and external referrals. His clinical focus is on improving care navigation across diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship phases.

He earned a PhD from Marywood University in 2003. His research spans behavioral health interventions, creative writing therapies in oncology, and digital health solutions for metastatic cancer patients. Key collaborations include work on tablet-based supportive care platforms and patient navigator programs addressing social needs in cancer care.

Hayes has presented on topics such as narrative medicine and taboo discussions in education at international conferences. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health equity and quality education.