Guy Pelletier

Dr. Guy Pelletier

PhD

Positions

Adjunct Associate Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Oncology

Adjunct Associate Professor

Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology

Member

Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Contact information

Phone number

Cell: 403.671.3000

Preferred method of communication

Admin Assistant

Leanne Hanlon
Email: leanne.hanlon@ahs.ca

Office: 403.521.3423

Background

Educational Background

B.A. Honours Psychology, McGill University, 1980

Doctor of Philosophy Psychology, University of Calgary, 1990

M.S. Psychology, University of Calgary, 1983

Biography

Dr. Guy Pelletier is a retired clinical health psychologist who holds a casual position with the Department of Psychosocial and Rehabilitation Oncology at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC). Dr. Pelletier is an adjunct associate professor with the Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, and with the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. He has published on issues related to mental health and quality of life in cancer patients. He is a member of the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta for Cancer Care (HREBA.CC)

Research

Areas of Research

Area of Focus
  • Quality of life in cancer patients (cancer related cognitive impairment, identity)
Summary of Research

Currently, Dr. Pelletier conducts research in two separate areas: cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and identity and cancer. In the domain of cognitive impairment, Dr. Pelletier and a colleague are starting a project on CRCI in young adults with non-CNS cancers. This will be a retrospective survey (chart review) of the responses given by young adult to a screening for distress questionnaire that is usually completed at each patient visit. The goals of the study are to determine the prevalence of memory/concentration problems in that population over a period of two years and to examine the extent to which memory/concentration problems might be related to reports of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and work problems. The study has received ethical approval and will start as soon as preparations are complete. In the domain of identity and cancer, Dr. Pelletier is currently finishing a paper on identity processing styles and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. The study consisted in identifying the type of identity processing styles used by these patients and their relationship to quality of life, anxiety, depression, body image, and the patients’ perceptions of positive and negative impact of the disease. The clinical implications of these issues will be considered and may lead to further research.

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
MDSC 535 LEC 01 01 Psychosocial Oncology 2021
MDSC 635 LEC 01 01 Psychosocial Oncology 2021

Awards

  • Award of Recognition for 15 years of service, 2009
  • Distinction, 2009
  • Joe Woodsworth Memorial Scholarship, 2009
  • Bourse d'Etudes en Langue Seconds, 1988
  • Province of Alberta Fellowship, 1988