Raphael J. Leo, MD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
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Specialty/Research Focus
Psychiatry
Professional Summary
Most of my career as a psychiatrist was involved treating individuals presenting with psychiatric conditions in the context of medical illness. From my early days in consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine, I delved into working with patients and studying the intricate relationships between mental and physical well-being. Over the years, my clinical work has expanded into assisting patients seeking kidney transplantation. Over time, I became more interested in, and involved with, psychiatric interventions in pain management. My academic interests have fueled my intellectual curiosities which have been devoted to patient care. I have authored three books on Pain Management emphasizing the interplay of pain and psychiatric treatment, and over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles. I particularly enjoyed having been involved in curriculum development particularly in the field of pain management and serving as an examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology Subspecialty Examination in Pain Medicine. My interests in pain management have expanded to the exploration of the relationship between alcohol and other substance use disorders and their impact on individuals with comorbid medical, pain and psychiatric conditions. I am actively involved in teaching and supervising residents, medical students and addiction fellows. As I venture on in my journey, I continue to be driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of integrating psychiatric and medical care to foster holistic healing and resilience.
Education and Training
- Residency, General Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo
- Internship, Millard Fillmore Hospitals
- MD, Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- MA, Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo
- BA, Biology and Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo
Personal Statement
Outside of my clinical and academic interests, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, bike riding, gardening, creative writing, and the theater.