Sheila G. Jowsey, M.D.

Sheila G. Jowsey, M.D., studies factors that affect the emotional, social and general well-being of transplant candidates, recipients and donors. The ultimate goal of Dr. Jowsey's research is to improve the quality of life of transplant patients and donors through patient-centric research.

Dr. Jowsey and her research collaborators use standardized rating scales and a standardized interview format that allows comparison of findings across the three Mayo Clinic campuses and with research collaborators around the world.

The research group is investigating the frequency of psychiatric conditions that may contribute to the disease burden for transplant patients. Other strategies under investigation to improve patient well-being include the use of health coaching, mindfulness-based stress reduction and resilience strategies. Psychiatric outcomes in kidney donors is another area of research.

Dr. Jowsey's research has been funded by philanthropic support and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Focus areas

• How do we select hand transplant candidates who will optimally benefit from this life-enhancing strategy? Dr. Jowsey is working with researchers in Europe to pool data to develop an understanding of the psychosocial characteristics that are found in patients who have the emotional, lifestyle and family support needed to be successful with vascularized composite transplant. Dr. Jowsey and her colleagues have created a multicenter study to enroll centers worldwide in this effort.
• What happens to kidney donors in the long term? Dr. Jowsey is collaborating with several major transplant centers to study the long-term outcomes of kidney donors, including the risk of depression and the impact of the recipient's well-being on the donor.
• Who is at risk of relapse to alcohol use after liver transplant? Dr. Jowsey, Terry D. Schneekloth, M.D., and their colleagues are participating in an effort across Mayo Clinic's three campuses to understand risk factors that lead to alcohol relapse after liver transplant for alcoholic cirrhosis.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Jowsey's research into the psychosocial factors that affect the well-being of transplant patients and donors will help improve outcomes for transplant patients and provide improved quality of life for both transplant patients and donors.

Professional highlights

• Recipient of the first Tarek E. Obaid grant for vascularized composite transplantation
• Distinguished Fellow, American Psychiatric Association
• Fellow, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
• Founding Director of Transplant Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.