Susan K Peterson

Susan K. Peterson, Ph.D., M.P.H., is a Professor in the Department of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and holds adjunct appointments at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health and the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on improving patient-centered care through behavioral interventions, addressing health disparities in cancer survivorship, and optimizing patient-reported outcomes in oncology settings.

Her primary affiliations include the Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, where she leads initiatives to enhance quality of life for cancer survivors through studies on chemotherapy effects, psychosocial distress, and financial toxicity. She has contributed to frameworks for diagnostic excellence (SEE-Dx-PRM) and interventions to improve adherence to post-treatment therapies.

Dr. Peterson’s work spans global health collaborations (e.g., ePRO implementations in Zambia), genetic counseling practices, and innovative digital health tools for remote patient monitoring. Her research emphasizes equitable healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations and LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. She maintains active roles in training the next generation of researchers through her academic appointments.