Lifetime Achievement Award ISBM for prof. dr. Joost Dekker

Joost Dekker received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ISBM conference in Vancouver Friday August 25, 2023.

Emeritus Professor of Paramedic Care Joost Dekker received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM) on Friday August 25, 2023.  Joost Dekker is a GZ psychologist and clinical psychologist and he has conducted research at the intersection of several disciplines, including oncology, rheumatology, psychiatry/psychology and physical therapy.

“Behavorial medicine is also described as lifestyle medicine” – prof. dr. Joost Dekker

Dekker has been awarded for his major contribution to the field of behavorial medicine. He has a keen interest in the interaction between body and mind in medical care. For example, Dekker conducted research on the mental health of patients with cancer. This research showed that strong emotions in this group actually add value to some extent: emotions are a natural response to cancer and can help people cope better with their illness.

Dekker was also president of the ISBM and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. This Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes substantial contributions to behavioral medicine over the whole of a career. Recipients are recognized for distinguished scholarly contributions to the science of behavioral medicine across a productive career.