Dr. Susan Franks is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Clinical Health Psychologist. She received her PhD in Clinical Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine in 1992 from the University of North Texas in Denton. She joined the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 1994 and is a tenured Associate Professor of Family Medicine and OMM. Dr. Franks directs medical student courses in clinical communication and biopsychosocial aspects of medical care, and has provided behavioral health education for Family Medicine residents. She directs the Emotional Intelligence Pathway Program for TCOM and developed the expansion of the program across HSC programs for students, faculty, and staff. She originated integrated behavioral health services into Family Medicine at HSC, where she continues to provide patient care. Her clinical research interests are stress-related eating and obesity and her educational research interests are emotional intelligence development in medical education. She was recently named a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in recognition of her interprofessional educational and clinical activities. Dr. Franks is past President of Fort Worth Area Psychological Association and a past recipient of the “Great Women of Texas-Texas Woman of Influence” award for her accomplishments and dedication to helping people make critical choices for greater health and peace.