In Memoriam: Peter J. Vicente, PhD, June 2010

Peter J. Vicente, PhD, ABPP, a long-time supporter of the American Pain Foundation, passed away in June 2010. Dr. Vicente served as the medical editor of the Pain Monitor, APF’s monthly electronic newsletter since its launch in January 2003. In 2008, he was recognized as a leader who made profound accomplishments in advancing the care of people with pain when he was awarded the APF Presidential Medal of Honor.

Dr. Vicente was a clinical health psychologist who specialized in behavioral medicine and pain rehabilitation. He received both his master’s degree and doctorate in psychology from The Ohio State University. Dr. Vicente was board certified in clinical health psychology, a diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology and a fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Health Psychology, where he also served as a past president. He was a former president of both the American Pain Society and the Midwest Pain Society, and a former chair of the board of trustees of CARF - The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. Dr. Vicente previously served as chair of the Ohio Pain Advisory Committee of the Ohio Department of Health and on the governor of Ohio’s Compassionate Care Task Force.

Yvette Colón, APF’s Director of Education & Support, said, “We had worked with Peter for years on the Pain Monitor, but I had never met him until a few years ago when I went to Denver for a meeting. I stayed an extra day and called Peter to see if we could get together – he took me out to lunch, gave me a fun tour of downtown Denver and provided hearty conversation. He was a lovely, lovely man and I very much enjoyed his company.”

At the time of his death, Dr. Vicente was in practice in Denver. We are grateful to him for lending his expertise in pain management and research and for dedicating his life to helping people affected by pain.

Last Updated: 07/07/10