Biography

Joseph DiFranza, MD, Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, is a recognized national expert on adolescent tobacco utilization. Since 1980, Dr. DiFranza has been conducting research on the topic of tobacco. His research covers a range of tobacco-related topics including the onset of nicotine dependence, the effects of tobacco advertising, tobacco industry public relations programs, tobacco-related complications of pregnancy, school smoking cessation programs, and the effects of environmental tobacco smoke. Dr. DiFranza is recognized nationally for his contribution to the efforts to prevent the illegal sale of tobacco to children.

CurrentPositions

Longitudinal Preceptor Program

Education

University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, Doctor of Medicine, 1981
University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Psychology 1976
Honor Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Phi
University of Massachusetts Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program, Worcester, 1981 1984
Fellowship in faculty development, University of North Carolina , 1984 1985
Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine 1984, recertified 1990-1997, 1996-2003, 2004-

Affiliations

Tobacco Control Resource Center, Board of Directors (1985-present)
American Academy of Pediatrics Center for Child Health Research Tobacco Consortium 2001

Scholarly Activity

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “The Transition to Nicotine Dependence.” October 2001- September 2006. $1.8 million. 5 RO1 DA14666-01

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: The Synar Amendment: Past, Present and Future. July 1, 2001- June 30, 2004. $121,754 #0456644