Olle J. Sahler

Dr. Olle J. Sahler, M.D., M.S. is a Professor (Part-Time) at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry with joint appointments across multiple departments including Pediatrics (Hematology and Oncology), Cancer Center, Health Humanities and Bioethics, and Psychiatry (Child & Adolescent Services). She specializes in pediatric palliative care, chronic illness management, and integrative medicine with a particular focus on chronically and terminally ill children and adolescents.

Dr. Sahler's research interests encompass chronic illness, palliative care, long-term childhood cancer survivors, bereavement, integrative medicine, biofeedback, chronic pain, and bioethics. Her primary research focus has been the development and implementation of the Bright IDEAS problem-solving skills training intervention designed to reduce distress among caregivers of children with cancer and young adults with cancer. She has led numerous multi-site clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of these interventions across diverse populations.

Her publication record is extensive, with over 95 journal articles spanning several decades, demonstrating consistent contributions to pediatric oncology psychosocial care. Recent publications (2021-2025) focus on problem-solving skills training implementation, cancer caregiver support networks, and young adult cancer patient interventions. Her work shows a clear trajectory toward developing evidence-based psychosocial interventions that can be effectively disseminated across healthcare systems.

Dr. Sahler has received numerous prestigious awards including the Pioneer in Integrative Medicine Award (2023), John P. Schlemmer MD Memorial Lectureship (2023), and Ruth A. Lawrence Award in Community Service (2020), reflecting her significant contributions to integrative medicine, community service, and music therapy advocacy.

• Pioneer in Integrative Medicine Award (2023)
• John P. Schlemmer MD Memorial Lectureship (2023)
• Ruth A. Lawrence Award in Community Service (2020)
• Community Partner Service-Learning Champion Award (2017)
• George Washington Goler Professor in Pediatrics (2017-2022)

Her clinical work emphasizes holistic approaches to patient care, incorporating integrative medicine techniques and strong attention to the psychological needs of both patients and their families. Dr. Sahler has been instrumental in developing educational resources about end-of-life care in pediatric settings and has contributed significantly to national organizational collaborations in pediatric medical education.