Sandra Puczynski, PhD is a Professor of Medicine and Director of Clinical Research Development at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine since July 2007, Dr. Puczynski is responsible for clinical research planning and development and oversees the clinical research support and regulatory functions for the School of Medicine. She provides direction and guidance for clinical research investigators and their research personnel. She has been actively involved in the development of the Southern Illinois Practice Research Organization (SIPRO), a collaborative practice-based research network with the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the country. Her research interests include diabetes, behavioral and health outcomes studies.
Dr. Puczynski is a member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) Board of Chancellors. She is recognized for her patient advocacy work and for the redesign of the JDRF research program. JDRF is a non-profit organization with a research funding portfolio that exceeds $160 million annually. She serves on a number of international and national research committees, including past membership on the NIDDK Advisory Council.