Thomas J Songer, PhD

Dr. Songer's research interests focus on applying epidemiologic methods to the evaluation of the economic, social, and health consequences of youth-onset diabetes, youth-onset obesity, and injuries. Dr. Songer's current work focuses on examining the costs and benefits of interventions in childhood diabetes treatment, and diabetes prevention.  Past projects have focused on identifying the contribution of health and disability to motor vehicle crashes and injuries, identifying the medical costs related to diabetes, the costs associated with child maltreatment, and evaluating the influence of economic factors in the lives of persons with diabetes.
Dr. Songer is an active teacher at the University of Pittsburgh.  He is the primary instructor for the graduate courses; Principles of Epidemiology (EPIDEM 2110), Injury Epidemiology (EPIDEM 2670), Injury Prevention and Control (EPIDEM 2640), and the undergraduate courses; Introduction to Research (REHSCI 1000) and Intro to Epidemiology (HRS 1017).  Dr. Songer has also been an integral member of two groups setting the guidelines for training initiatives in injury and highway safety.
Dr. Songer has served on several NIH and CDC review panels, and is currently a steering committee member for the Injury Community Planning Group for the State of Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

1983    University of Notre Dame          BS
1986    University of Pittsburgh              MPH
1990    University of Pittsburgh              PhD
1991    London School of Economics  MSc

• Roy TC, Songer T, Ye F, LaPorte R, Grier T, Anderson M, Chervak M.  Physical training
  risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in female soldiers.  Military Medicine  179(12):1432-8, 2014 Dec. 
• Songer T, Stephens-Stidham S, Peek-Asa C, Bou-Saada I, Hunter W, Lindemer K, Runyan C.  Core Competencies for Injury and Violence Prevention.  Amer J Public Health  99:600-606, 2009
• Songer TJ, Dorsey RR.  High risk characteristics for motor vehicle crashes in persons with diabetes by age.  Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med  50:335-351, 2006   PMCID: PMC3217477
• Songer TJ, Fitzgerald SG, Rotko KA.  The Injury Risk to Wheelchair Occupants using Motor Vehicle Transportation.  Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med  48:115-129, 2004
• Ettaro L, Berger RP, Songer T.  Abusive Head Trauma in Young Children: Characteristics and Medical Charges in a Hospitalized Population.  Child Abuse & Neglect  28:1099-1111, 2004
• Songer TJ, Lave JR, Kamlet MS, Frederick S, Ness RB.  Preferences for Fertility in Women with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.  Fertility & Sterility  81(5):1344-50, 2004
• Lave LB, Songer TJ, LaPorte RE.  Should Persons with Diabetes be Licensed to Drive Trucks? -- Risk Management.  Risk Analysis  13(3):327-334, 1993