Dr. Francis Keefe

Biography

Francis Joseph Keefe is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University, with additional appointments in the Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Medicine, and Anesthesiology. He is the Director of the Duke Pain Prevention Treatment Research Program, an NIH-funded clinical research initiative dedicated to finding effective ways to assess and treat patients with acute and persistent pain. With over 490 publications, his work focuses on various aspects of pain management, including behavioral interventions such as mindfulness, yoga, and exercise for conditions related to chronic pain. Keefe has played a pivotal role in shaping the national research agenda for pain through his editorial leadership at PAIN, serving as a Chair for numerous NIH Study Sections, and participating in the Institute of Medicine’s committee on pain in America. His career has included the development of innovative treatment protocols for diverse pain conditions and collaborations with international researchers to advance pain management strategies. He is committed to mentoring students and early-career professionals interested in advancements in pain research and management.

Research Interests

Experience