Eating disorders expert will visit UI campus June 24, 25

Pamela Keel

Pamela Keel, a nationally recognized expert on eating disorders, will deliver two public lectures during a visit to the UI campus June 24 and 25. Keel’s visit is co-sponsored by the Obesity Research and Educational Initiative (OREI) and the Department of Psychiatry in the UI Carver College of Medicine.

Eating disorders are silent, stigmatized—but deadly – diseases that affect millions of Americans and their families. More than 20 million women and 10 million men are clinically diagnosed with a significant eating disorder in the United States, and millions more struggle with sub-clinical or even untreated eating disorders.

Keel will present “Purging Disorder: Evidence for a ’New’ Eating Disorder” at Psychiatry Grand Rounds at 11 a.m. June 24 in the Ziffren Auditorium (Rm 1502 JCP) of UI Hospitals and Clinics. She will present “Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders” at the OREI’s Diabetes and Obesity Talks at noon on June 25 in Rm 1289 of the Carver Biomedical Research Building on the UI health sciences campus.

Currently a professor in the Department of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Keel also is president of the Academy of Eating Disorders. In addition to publishing 148 peer-reviewed articles and 30 book chapters on the research and study of eating disorders, Keel also has authored two books on eating disorders.

The prevalence of eating disorders is increasing and the condition affects people of all ages and ethnic groups. Studies have shown people can be especially vulnerable to developing eating disorders at challenging turning points in their lives, including puberty, graduating high school, starting college, changing jobs, menopause, or when grown children leave the home. However, Keel and other experts stress that eating disorders are not a choice; they are mental illnesses that require professional treatment, and recovery is possible.

Keel received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University/Radcliffe College and a doctoral degree from University of Minnesota. She did a clinical psychology internship at Duke University Medical Center and a clinical fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Prior to joining Florida State University in 2009, Keel was on the faculty of Harvard University and the University of Iowa.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend these events, contact Stacie Vik in advance at stacie-vik@uiowa.eduor 319-384-4684.