Harvey Skinner

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Harvey Skinner is the inaugural Dean of the new Faculty of Health at York University, beginning September 1, 2006. ^[1] Previously Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ^[2] Skinner was one of the first to focus on linking behavior change, organizational improvement and information technology (e-health), which are summarized in his book, "Promoting Health Through Organizational Change." ^[3] He has been a pioneer in the use of computer technology for health assessment and behavior change, and was one of the first to initiate a major program of research, ^[4] using the Internet for engaging youth in health promotion. TeenNet has created innovative websites for smoking prevention and cessation, ^[5] gambling education, ^[6] and youth action. ^[7]

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Skinner received his PhD in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario in 1975. He is a Registered Psychologist in Ontario and a certified trainer in Motivational Interviewing. Skinner has broad experience in behavior change and organizational improvement, and regularly leads workshops on lowering resistance and enhancing motivation for change at individual and organizational levels. He has a special interest in global public health, with an emphasis on conflict resolution as exemplified in his 2005 Lancet article, "Promoting Arab and Israeli Cooperation: A Model for Peacebuilding through Health Initiatives". ^[8] Another example is the innovative program for engaging youth in health promotion called Global Youth Voices. ^[9]

Skinner serves on the board of the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program ^[10] that is involved in an innovative program, peacebuilding through health initiatives in the Middle East. From 1997-2005, he was a Member of the Board of the Canadian Public Health Association. Additionally, he has served as an expert advisor to the World Health Organization, U.S. Institute of Medicine, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and Fogarty International Center.

Skinner is the author or co-author of 7 books, over 100 articles, and various assessment instruments. Three of his instruments are widely used internationally for the assessment of alcohol dependence (ADS: Alcohol Dependence Scale), the detection of drug problems (DAST: Drug Abuse Screening Test), and assessment of family functioning (FAM: Family Assessment Measure).

In his personal life, Skinner enjoys sailing and skiing, and is an avid runner, having completed seven marathons.