Barry Bultz

Professional Summary: Professor Barry Bultz

Professor Barry Bultz is a distinguished academic and clinician associated with the University of Calgary, Canada, rather than the University of Newcastle as initially suggested. He holds a prominent position in the field of psychosocial oncology, with a career dedicated to improving the emotional and psychological well-being of cancer patients. Below is a comprehensive summary of his academic and professional contributions based on publicly available information.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Bultz has a robust academic foundation in psychology and health sciences. While specific details of his degrees and institutions are not universally documented in public sources, his expertise and leadership in psychosocial oncology indicate advanced training, likely including a Ph.D. in a related field. He is frequently cited as a Professor in the Department of Oncology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Bultz specializes in psychosocial oncology, focusing on the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of cancer care. His research interests include distress screening in cancer patients, patient-centered care, and the integration of psychosocial support into oncology practice. He has been a pioneer in advocating for distress as the 'sixth vital sign' in cancer treatment, emphasizing its importance alongside physical vital signs.

Career History and Appointments

• Professor, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
• Director, Department of Psychosocial Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta
• Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

• Recipient of the Arthur M. Sutherland Award from the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) for lifetime achievement in psychosocial oncology (2016)
• Past President of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS)
• Past President of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO)

Key Publications

Professor Bultz has authored and co-authored numerous influential papers and articles in the field of psychosocial oncology. Below are some key works based on publicly available records:

• Bultz, B. D., & Carlson, L. E. (2006). 'Emotional distress: the sixth vital sign—future directions in cancer care.' Psycho-Oncology, 15(2), 93-95.
• Holland, J. C., & Bultz, B. D. (2007). 'The NCCN guideline for distress management: a case for making distress the sixth vital sign.' Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 5(1), 3-7.
• Bultz, B. D., et al. (2011). 'Implementing screening for distress, the 6th vital sign: a Canadian strategy for changing practice.' Psycho-Oncology, 20(5), 463-469.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Bultz has had a transformative impact on the field of psychosocial oncology by championing the recognition of emotional distress as a critical component of cancer care. His advocacy for distress screening has influenced clinical guidelines worldwide, including those by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Through his leadership roles in organizations like IPOS and CAPO, he has shaped policies and practices to prioritize patient-centered care, fostering international collaboration in the field.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

• Keynote speaker at numerous international conferences on psychosocial oncology
• Founding Editor of the journal Supportive Care in Cancer (early involvement noted in public records)
• Active member and leader in committees of the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO)