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In Memoriam: Peter Veazie

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Peter Veazie

Peter Veazie, PhD, a distinguished scholar, innovator, and mentor whose professional and academic contributions have helped shape health services research, policy, and medical decision-making, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 61.

Prior to his career in public health, Veazie served as a Backcountry/Wilderness Ranger in Yellowstone National Park. He earned his PhD in Health Services Research from the University of Minnesota in 2003. Following academic appointments at the University of Florida, he joined the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2005. He later assumed leadership roles as chief of the Division of Health Policy and Outcomes Research (2013–2019) and director of the Health Services Research Graduate Program (2011–2019).

“Peter’s life was defined by his passion for discovery, his intellectual rigor, and his deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars and practitioners,” said Ann Dozier, PhD, chair of the URMC Department of Public Health Sciences, “While his presence will be profoundly missed, the impact of his work and the inspiration he provided will continue to resonate for years to come.”

Described by colleagues as “inspiring” and possessing a “unique intellectual breadth,” Veazie was celebrated for his methodological expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge. His scholarship spanned psychological theory, health economics, and innovative statistical methodologies. His work on topics such as the application of regulatory focus theory to medical decision-making and the innovative “Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision Support Framework” has left a lasting impact on the field.

Since 2016, he served as a Research Health Scientist at the Geriatric Extended Care Data Analysis Center at the Canandaigua Veterans Administration Medical Center, applying his expertise in prediction modeling and program evaluation to enhance care for older veterans with complex needs. His involvement in critical evaluations—such as his work with the Medicine Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program and the impactful BabyLove program—were examples of his ability to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ultimately influencing policy and patient outcomes.

A dedicated educator, Veazie developed and taught 13 courses that spanned health policy, psychology, economics, philosophy of science, and advanced statistics. His commitment to mentorship was evident in the guidance he provided to more than 20 PhD students, numerous master’s candidates, residents, and post-doctoral fellows—a legacy recognized by awards such as the Faculty Mentorship Award from the Upstate NY Chapters of the American Statistical Association in 2018.

Dr. Veazie also served his profession through national and institutional service. As a key member—and later Chair—of Academy Health’s prestigious Methods and Data Council, he helped set priorities and trends in research methods and data analysis for the entire field. His contributions as a grant and manuscript reviewer for organizations including the NSF and RAND further attest to his standing as a sophisticated methodologist in health services research.

Veazie is survived by his wife, Wendy, and children, Matthew and Devin.  The Department of Public Health Sciences will hold a remembrance ceremony followed by a reception on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 3:00-4:00 PM in Saunders Research Building, room 1-1416. All are welcome (a zoom option will be available). Written tributes are being collated; please send to victoria_pabis@urmc.rochester.edu The family will be holding a celebration of his life later this year.

Fish, Mercury, and the Developing Brain

Monday, February 3, 2025

The Seychelles Child Development Study, a groundbreaking 30-year collaboration, investigates the effects of prenatal mercury exposure from fish consumption on childhood development. Dr. Edwin van Wijngaarden, Public Health Sciences Associate Chair, provides leadership to this longstanding research initiative on mercury exposure.

The study has provided vital evidence on how maternal diet impacts neurodevelopment. Results suggest that the nutritional benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy may outweigh potential risks associated with mercury exposure, offering new perspectives on global health guidelines.

Read More: Fish, Mercury, and the Developing Brain

$3.5M Grant Funds Study on Social Networks in Older Adults with Cancer, Led by Dr. Reza Yousefi-Nooraie and Others

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Dr. Reza Yousefi-Nooraie is one of the multiple principal investigators on a newly funded $3.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute. The grant supports a new study on social networks and older cancer patients, exploring how these networks influence care decisions and evolve throughout the cancer journey. Older adults, who make up 60% of cancer patients, often face more complex illnesses and rely heavily on their support systems—family, friends, and community connections—when navigating treatment options. “Patients live in the context of social networks,” says Dr. Supriya Mohile, one of the study leaders. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving patient care and outcomes. This collaborative research effort between Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester Medical Center aims to shed light on the critical role of social networks in cancer care, particularly for advanced cases.

70 countries have banned this pesticide. It’s still for sale in the US

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

The Washington Post, January 22

“The data is the data,” says Deborah Cory-Slechta, a professor of environmental medicine and of neuroscience. She says paraquat exposure is associated with the loss of dopamine neurons, which can cause slow and uncoordinated movements, tremors, and difficulty communicating, all of which are consistent with Parkinson’s disease.

“The evidence is very strong, both based on animal studies and on epidemiological evidence the fact that it kills dopamine neurons,” she said.

Dr. Francisco Cartujano's interview with Rochester First

Friday, January 10, 2025

Dr. Francisco Cartuajno spoke with Rochester First about the resoursed and services for those who arelooking to quit smoking. “We definitely don’t want to be a secret in our community. We want people to know about it and the more the merrier, so this is completely confidential. Again, free of cost so everything’s fully remote. People don’t even need to come to our location for either receiving the counseling or the medication. If someone is interested in the medication, we just mail them,” Director Francisco Cartujano said. 

Dr. Francisco Cartujano's interview with Spectrum News

Friday, January 10, 2025

Francisco Cartujano Barrera, MD, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Tobacco Cessation Program, spoke to Spectrum News about a free counseling program that can help people kick the habit and also offers medication free of charge. “We have counties where smoking rates are as high as 40 percent, meaning four out of 10 [people] living in those counties are currently smoking," Cartujano Barrera said