Cynthia W. Karlson, PhD

Specialties: Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hematology/Oncology, Psychology

Gender: Female

Biography: Cynthia Karlson, Ph.D. is Director of Inpatient Pediatric Psychology for Children's of Mississippi and a Supervision for the UMMC Department of Psychiatry Clinical Psychology Internship. Dr. Karlson was recently appointed as Vice-Chair of Pediatric Research. Dr. Karlson specializes in pediatric health psychology and psychological aspects of pediatric hematology/oncology. Dr. Karlson received her B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida and completed her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical health psychology from the University of Kansas. Dr. Karlson completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Karlson's program of research focuses on chronic pain and biopsychosocial factors (e.g., mood, sleep, physical activity) that influence pain in children with cancer and sickle cell disease. Other research projects include neurocognitive screening and longitudinal adjustment in pediatric hematology/oncology. Dr. Karlson has extensive expertise in the treatment of adjustment to pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease, chronic pain, learning disorders, and other health-related concerns (e.g., bereavement, pica). She is committed to providing patients with the highest quality of behavioral healthcare and clinical psychology residents with the highest level of evidence-based training. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys soccer, camping, and spending time with her family.