David Cella

David Cella is a prominent academic and researcher currently serving as the Professor and Chair of the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University. He has held this position since March 2009, contributing significantly to the fields of health outcomes and measurement science, preventive medicine, and behavioral sciences.

Academic and Professional Background

• Current Roles:

  • Professor and Chair, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University (2009 - Present)
  • Director, Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM) - Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes
  • Professor, Departments of Preventive Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  • Professor, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

• Research Focus: Cella's research primarily revolves around measuring outcomes in clinical trials, particularly concerning cancer patients' quality of life. He has been instrumental in developing methodologies that enhance patient-centered care in medical research settings.124

Contributions to the Field

Cella has played a leadership role in several interdisciplinary initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes. He is associated with various institutes and centers at Northwestern, including:

• Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies
• Comprehensive Transplant Center
• Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.23

Recognition

In September 2023, Cella was awarded the Tripartite Legacy Faculty Prize, recognizing his contributions to health care studies and his impact on patient-centered research.5

David Cella's work continues to influence the fields of medical social sciences and health informatics, making him a key figure in advancing research methodologies that prioritize patient experiences and outcomes.