Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine

Directed by Rebecca Thurston, PhD, with co-Director Peter Gianaros, PhD (Department of Psychology), the University of Pittsburgh Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine (CBM) research training program offers predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships in cardiovascular behavioral medicine. Training in cardiovascular behavioral medicine is multidisciplinary, positioned at the interface of psychological/behavioral and cardiovascular health. Fellows receive training in 1) principles of health behavior and behavior change, 2) research methodology and statistics, 3) cardiovascular psychophysiology and pathophysiology, and 4) cardiovascular diseases and health inequalities. 

The program enables the development of novel, independent, programmatic lines of research through team-based mentoring, individualized didactic coursework, lectures and seminars, and multidisciplinary research training, anchored to continuous learning activities in diversity, equity, and inclusivity. CBM trainees leverage this training to broadly pursue research on 1) contextual and multilevel determinants of cardiovascular disease risk across the lifespan; 2) biobehavioral pathways linking social, psychological, and life course factors to cardiovascular disease risk; and 3) biobehavioral interventions to improve cardiovascular health. In addition, fellows are encouraged to participate in the Career and Research Development Seminar (CARDS) series.


Program length

One to three years for pre- and postdoctoral fellows.


Who should apply?

Predoctoral fellows:

BA or BS graduates enrolling in Pitt’s clinical and/or health psychology program can apply for the predoctoral fellowship.

Postdoctoral fellows:

Two types of postdoctoral fellows can apply: 

  1. Physicians (including third- or fourth-year residents).
  2. Individuals with a PhD in psychology, epidemiology, or related disciplines.


How many spots are available?

Four predoctoral stipends and four postdoctoral stipends are available each year.


How do I apply?

Please contact the Program Director: