The Florida State University College of Nursing (CON) celebrates the exceptional achievements of Professor Henna Budhwani, Ph.D., MPH, who has been named a Fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). This esteemed recognition, awarded to a limited number of distinguished individuals each year, acknowledges Dr. Budhwani's pioneering work in forging a critical link between behavioral and biomedical research, thereby paving the way for advancements in healthcare and improved patient well-being.

Dr. Budhwani's election to SBM Fellowship is a testament to her unwavering dedication to advancing the science and practice of behavioral medicine," says Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation (IDHI), Lisa B. Hightow-Weidman, MD, MPH. "Her impactful research and commitment to mentoring future healthcare professionals are shaping the field, inspiring them to consider the intricate interplay between behavior, health, and well-being."

As a faculty member within IDHI, Dr. Budhwani plays a crucial role in advancing the institute's mission: to solve real-world needs through research, training, and innovation in digital health science, technologies, and tools. This aligns seamlessly with Dr. Budhwani's own expertise in addressing the behavioral and structural factors that influence health and well-being, particularly among stigmatized individuals living in resource-constrained settings. Her research delves into areas like HIV prevention, maternal health, mental health and suicide, implementation science, and the development of culturally tailored mHealth and digital health interventions.

“Being recognized by SBM is incredibly humbling,” shares Dr. Budhwani. “This honor fuels my commitment for addressing health disparities in domestic and global settings via structural and sociobehavioral interventions. Being named an SBM Fellow is not only an honor for me but also for the university and our College of Nursing where lifesaving research is ongoing.”

Established in 1978, the SBM Fellowship represents the pinnacle of achievement in the field. Fellows are recognized for their pioneering research, impactful clinical practice, and unwavering commitment to advocacy.

“Dr. Budhwani's fellowship shines a light on the groundbreaking work happening at the FSU CON,” adds CON Dean and Professor Jing Wang, Ph.D., MPH, RN, FAAN. “We are boldly rising to become a leading hub for innovative research, evidence-based interventions, and compassionate care. Dr. Budhwani's groundbreaking work paves the way for achieving the ambitious goals outlined in our Strategic Plan, further propelling the College towards becoming a beacon of innovation in healthcare.”

FSU CON celebrates Dr. Budhwani's prestigious honor, knowing it only fuels her passion for further impact in the field of behavioral medicine. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her continued contributions at the upcoming SBM Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia, PA, from March 13-16, 2024.