Raphael J. Leo MD

Raphael Leo

Raphael J. Leo
MD

Associate Professor

Department of Psychiatry

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Psychiatry

Contact Information
Erie County Medical Center
Department of Psychiatry
462 Grider Street
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: 716-898-4857
Fax: 716-898-4447
rleo@buffalo.edu
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Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

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Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

I am a psychiatrist specializing in pain medicine, addiction medicine and psychosomatic medicine. My areas of expertise focus on the comorbidity of medical and psychiatric illness and the comorbidity of, and concurrent treatment strategies for, psychiatric illness and chronic pain conditions. Some of my research has focused on describing the psychosocial factors influencing healthcare utilization of chronic pain conditions. I have worked extensively in pain medicine education, and I am presently attempting to develop pain medicine training modules and didactics for incorporation into psychiatry residency curricula.

Education and Training:
  • Residency, General Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo (1995)
  • Internship, Millard Fillmore Hospitals (1991)
  • MD, Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1990)
  • MA, Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo (1985)
  • BA, Biology and Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo (1983)

Employment:
  • Psychiatric Consultant, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (2009-present)
  • Associate Professor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2004-present)
  • Psychiatric Consultant, Kaleida Health Services (2001-present)
  • Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Physician Assistant Program, D'Youville College (1999-present)
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Family Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1999-present)
  • Staff Psychiatrist, University Psychiatric Practice, Inc. (1996-present)
  • Medical Director, Erie County Medical Center (1995-present)
  • Psychiatric Consultant, Erie County Medical Center (2006–2009)
  • Psychiatric Consultant, DeGraff Memorial Hospital (1997–2007)
  • Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1996–2004)
  • Psychiatric Consultant and Liaison to Psychiatric Services, Benedict House (1998–2001)
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, State University at New York of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1995–1996)
  • Chief Resident, State University of New York at Buffalo (1994–1995)
  • Clinical Assistant Instructor, Psychiatry, State University at New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1992–1995)
  • Medical Staff Physician, DeGraff Memorial Hospital (1992–1995)
  • Clinical Assistant Instructor, Psychiatry, State University at New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1990–1991)
  • Clinical Assistant Instructor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1990–1991)
See all (7 more)

Awards and Honors:
  • Didactic Teacher of the Year Award (2010)
  • Commendation for Teaching Excellence to Faculty in Clinical Sciences (2007)
  • Teacher of the Year Award (2006)
  • Who's Who in America (2006)
  • Teacher of the Year Award (2004)
  • Mental Health Preceptor of the Year (2003)
  • Mental Health Preceptor of the Year (2002)
  • Teacher of the Year Award (2001)
  • Fellow: Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine (1999)
  • Teacher of the Year Award (1999)
  • Wyeth-Ayerst resident Reporter Program Award Recipient (1995)
  • National Dean's List (1983)
  • Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology (1983)
  • CRC Press Chemistry Achievement Award (1980)

Research Expertise:
  • Psychosomatic Medicine; Pain Medicine: Psychiatric issues in management of chronic pain; Psychiatric comorbidities of chronic pain; Psychosomatic Disorders; Geriatric Psychiatry; Addictions

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • January 2002–December 2002
    Analgesic Effects of Risperidone
    Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc.
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $5,000
  • January 1998–December 2000
    Psychiatric Comorbidities in HIV
    Ryan White
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $60,000
  • June 2000–August 2000
    Mixed Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescent Psychiatric Patients
    State University of New York at Buffalo
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $2,000
  • March 1999–February 2000
    The Housing and Supportive Housing Services for the MICA Population
    The New York State Department of Health- AIDS Institute
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $24,000
  • June 1996–August 1996
    Depression in Geropsychiatric Consultation Liaison
    State University of New York at Buffalo
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • June 1995–August 1995
    Characteristics of Frequent Users of Psychiatric Emergency Services
    State University of New York at Buffalo
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $2,000
  • January 2001
    Psychiatric Comorbidities in HIV
    Ryan White
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $60,000

Journal Articles:

See all (50 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Leo RJ. (2007) Clinical Manual of Pain Management in Psychiatry. American Psychiatric Press, Inc.
  • Robinson JP, Leo RJ, Wallach J, McGough E, Schatman M. (2010) Evidence Based Chronic Pain Management. In: Rehabilitative Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, 407-423.

Abstracts:

  • Ragozza, K., Leo, R.J. (2021) Psychiatric or Organic? A Case of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. 12th Annual National Update on Behavioral Emergencies (NUBE) Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, December 9-10, 2021. 12th Annual National Update on Behavioral Emergencies (NUBE) Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada (Dec) Oral
  • Syed A., Leo, R.J. (2023) An Emerging Wave of Misuse of an Ethanol Substitute on the Horizon: Recreational 2-Methyl-2-butanol. Rx Summit. Atlanta, Georgia (Apr) Poster
  • Ficarro, S.M., Antonius, D., Leo, R.J., Drake, A.S., Mariotti, B. & Leidenfrost, C.M. (2022) Psychiatric correlates of pain among incarcerated individuals with serious mental illness. 2022 American Psychology-Law Society Annual Conference. Denver, Colorado (Mar) Oral

Evaluative Studies and Case Reports:

  • Sharlo L Bayless, Nathaniel V Walker, Maxwell M Scott, Raphael J Leo. (2024) Clozapine-Related Cecal Volvulus. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord (Jul), 26(4) doi:10.4088/PCC.24cr03729
  • Whig, R., Nagra, J.K., Merkel, J.A., Leo, R.J. (2024) Onychophagia Progressing to Extensive Finger Amputation: A Brief Review Addressing Severe Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorder in an Adult. Psychiatric Annals (Oct), 53(3): 145-148.
  • Syed A. Leo, R.J. (2022) Recreational 2-Methyl-2-Butanol Use: An Emerging Wave of Misuse of an Ethanol Substitute on the Horizon?. Primary Care Companion of CNS Disorders (Dec)

Professional Memberships:
  • ACGME Working Group in Pain Medicine; Committee dedicated to the development of standards for, and modifications in, fellowship training in Pain Medicine so as to incorporate training appropriate to Psychiatry, Neurology, Physiatry and Anesthesiology. (2001–2004)
  • National Board of Medical Examiners; Development of annual board examination in Pain Medicine (2000–present)

Presentations:
  • "Parallel Session Addressing Psychiatric Issues in Pain Medicine" The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Annual Meeting; American Society of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (2010)
  • "Problem Based Learning Discussion focusing on Depression and Chronic Pain" American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain medicine Annual Meeting; American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (2010)
  • "Lifetime History of Adversity and Chronic Back Pain" 20th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Management; American Academy of Pain Management (2009)
  • "The Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain and its Treatment" ; SUNY at Buffalo, Department of Medicine (2008)
  • "Evaluation of Capacity and Competency in the Nursing Home Population" ; McGuire Group Nursing Home and Health Care Facilities (2008)
  • "Chronic Pain Management & Mental Health Treatment: Combined Efforts Using the Biopsychosocial Model" Spectrum Human Services (2007)
  • "Social Security Disability in the Mentally Ill" 18th Annual U.S. Psychiatric Congress (2005)
  • "The Psychiatrist's Role in the Assessment of Disability Determinations" 18th Annual U.S. Psychiatric Congress (2005)
  • "Overview of Psychopharmacology in Chronic Pain: Who? What? When? Where?" 15th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Management; American Academy of Pain Management (2004)
  • "Pharmacologic Management of the Chronic Pain Patient" 16th Annual U.S. Psychiatric Congress (2003)
  • "Psychotherapy of the Chronic Pain Patient" 16th Annual U.S. Psychiatric Congress (2003)
  • "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" Psychiatry Resident Conference; SUNY at Buffalo (2003)
  • "Use of Anti psychotics: An Overview for Primary Care" Family Medicine Conference; SUNY at Buffalo Department of Family Medicine (2003)
  • "Update on Pain Management for Psychiatrists" 156th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; American Psychiatric Association (2003)
  • "A Curriculum in Pain Management for Psychiatry Residents" 31st Annual American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency (2002)
  • "Workshop on Analgesic Diversion" American Academy on Addictions Conference (2001)
  • "Psychopharmacological Approaches to Pain Management in the Elderly" Geriatrics Ground Rounds; University of Rochester Medical Center (2001)
  • "Consultation- Liaison in the Nursing Home: Referral Patterns and Recognition of Depression" New York State Society on Aging Meeting (2001)
  • "Evidence for linkage disequilibrium and imprinting between the alpha-7-nicotinic receptor gene (CHRNA7) locus and schizophrenia in Azorean families" 2001 World Congress for Psychiatric Genetics (2001)
  • "Linkage of the alpha-7-nicotine receptor gene to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a homogeneous Portuguese population." 9th World Congress on Psychiatric Genetics (2001)
  • "No evidence for linkage disequilibrium between the alpha-7-nicotine receptor gene locus and bipolar disorder in the Portuguese population." 2001 World Congress for Psychiatric Genetics (2001)
  • "Psychopharmacology of Pain Management" Practical Advances in Integrating Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology; CME, Inc. (2001)
  • "Psychopharmacology of Pain Management" CME, Inc. Conference on Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy (2001)
  • "Psychotherapy and Pain Management" Practical Advances in Integrating Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology; CME, Inc. (2001)
  • "Psychotherapy of Chronic Pain Management" CME, Inc. Conference on Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy (2001)
  • "Pharmacology of Pain Management" Family Medicine Conference; Department of Family Medicine, SUNY at Buffalo (2001)
  • "Linkage of the alpha-7-nicotinic receptor gene to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a homogeneous Portuguese population." Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; American Psychiatric Association (2001)
  • "Linkage of the alpha-7-nicotine receptor gone to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a homogeneous Portuguese population" 154th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; ; American Psychiatric Association (2001)
  • "Pain Management in HIV: Refined Approaches" ; SUNY at Buffalo; Department of Infectious Disease (1999)
  • "The Violent Patient" ; Benedict House and The Department of Infectious Disease & Immunodeficiency Services (1999)
  • "Effective Use of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room" ; Benedict House and the Department of Infectious Disease (1999)
  • "Assessment and Management of Agitation and Aggression in Elderly Dementia Patients" ; Brothers of Mercy Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and the Department of Geriatric Medicine (1999)
  • "Pain Management in HIV" Western New York Spring Conference on AIDS (1998)
  • "The Brain and HIV" Western New York Spring Conference on AIDS (1998)
  • "Gender Bias in Psychiatry" 150th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; American Psychiatric Association (1997)
  • "Gender Bias in Psychiatry Texts" 150th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association; ; American Psychiatric Association (1997)
  • "Current Issues in Geriatric Psychiatry: Where Are Our Local Psychiatrists Working? The Geriatric Patient and C-L Psychiatry" Tenth Annual Conference on Geriatrics (1997)
  • "Age and Ethnic Variables Impacting on Referrals for Depression to Consultation-Liaison Services" 16th Annual Student Research Forum; SUNY at Buffalo (1997)
  • "HIV-Dementia-Diagnosis and Treatment" Psychiatry Department Resident Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo & Erie County Medical Center (1996)
  • "Depression and Medical Co-morbidity" ; Millard Filmore Hospital & SUNY at Buffalo; Department of Internal Medicine (1996)
  • "Anxiety Disorders Associated with HIV" ; SUNY at Buffalo; Immunodeficiency Clinic and Department of Infectious Diseases (1996)
  • "Frequent Use of Psychiatric Emergency Services by Mentally Ill Patients" 15th Annual Student Research Forum; SUNY at Buffalo (1996)
  • "Overview of Depression" Benjamin Rush Society Meeting; SUNY at Buffalo (1996)
  • "Mood Disorders Associated with HIV" ; SUNY at Buffalo; Immunodeficiency Clinic and Department of Infectious Diseases (1996)
  • "Listening to the Adverse Side Effects of Fluoxetine and other SSRI's." Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds; SUNY at Buffalo (1995)
See all (35 more)

Service Activities:
  • Alternate, Faculty Council of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Alternate Member (2002–2004)
  • Clinical Pathways in Delirium Management Committee Erie County Medical Center; Member (2002)
  • ACGME Working Group & Sub Committee on Pain Management; Member (2001–2004)
  • Membership Committee Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine; Member (2000–2003)
  • Standards and Ethics Committee Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine; Member (2000–2003)
  • IFR Research Advisory Committee; Member (1998–2001)
  • Health Information Management Committee Erie County Medical Center; Member (1998–2000)
  • Department of Psychiatry Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure Comittee; Member (1996–2005)
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Psychopharmacologic Research; Member (1995–2002)
  • Curriculum Committee; Member (1995–1996)
  • Developed an Infrastructure for an interdepartmental teaching program on behavior and psychiatric disorders among medical and surgical patients
  • American psychiatric Association; Member

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Contact Information

Erie County Medical Center
Department of Psychiatry
462 Grider Street
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: 716-898-4857
Fax: 716-898-4447
rleo@buffalo.edu
View map

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD
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