Sharon Hall, PhD

Major areas of research are clinical trials for the treatment of nicotine dependence, with emphasis on treatments that reflect a chronic disease model, and on complex populations. My research is on the treatment of drug abuse, especially tobacco dependence, and better understanding the processes of change through randomized clinical trials and related studies.  I am especially interested in the treatment of comorbidities in special populations, and the complexities that comorbidities introduce into treatment.  My recent studies reflect these interests.  I currently direct a NIH-funded Center Grant, “Treatment of Complex Patients: Emphasis on Nicotine.”  The Center sponsors educational events, a pilot studies fund, and a competitive grant program for junior investigators.  It also provides statistical support to a variety of investigators doing work in drug abuse.  The Center has five scientific components:  (1) a study of smoking treatment in HIV care clinics; (2) a study of smoking treatment in the context of alcohol treatment; (3) a study of changes in organizational knowledge, attitude and beliefs about smoking treatment in community organizations as a function of participation in smoking treatment research; (4) a statistical component that studies statistical techniques relevant to drug abuse treatment research; (5) a developmental component that supports a pilot studies program for postdoctoral trainees and junior faculty, and a competitive funding program for junior faculty.  I also have been active in mentoring faculty. In June 2003, I was awarded the George Sarlo Prize for Excellence in Teaching from the UCSF Department of Psychiatry. In 2007, I received the Ove Fernö Award for Clinical Research from the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.  With Dr. Stanton Glantz, I am the Co-Leader of the Tobacco Control program of the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.