The Co-Director of Behavioral Sciences for the Family Medicine Residency Program at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Dr. Skamai also volunteers to assist the Occupational Therapy Program, where she previously served as Assistant Professor. Dr. Skamai holds an occupational therapy degree from SUNY Downstate and a doctoral degree in Clinical Health Psychology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her clinical and research interests include psychological adjustment to medical illness, behavioral medicine interventions in cancer and other chronic medical conditions, the impact of cultural beliefs on health behavior, development and evaluation of community-based health promotion programs, and educational initiatives in cultural and psychosocial sensitivity for allied health and medical professionals. She is a frequent guest lecturer in Occupational Therapy Program courses, serves as research advisor for the study, "Predictors of Role Performance in Women with Lymphedema", and is a liaison for students who complete their Community Practice practicum at Downstate's off-site primary care clinic. Dr. Skamai also remains professionally active on a national level as an Item Writer for the National Certification Board for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
