Biography
Dr. Anderson holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and a certificate in Advanced Clinical Dementia Practice from the University of Michigan. He completed a T32-funded postdoctoral research fellowship in the conduct of clinical research at the Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies at the University of Virginia.
Dr. Anderson’s research program focuses on non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management and caregiver support in dementia care. This focus includes an exploration of the psychosocial impacts of dementia caregiving in an effort to develop tailored intervention strategies to alleviate caregiver strain. He is currently involved in several studies to examine family quality of life in dementia and to ascertain issues related to caregiving, including the use of social media as part of and a window into the family caregiving experience. Additionally, Dr. Anderson collaborates with nursing researchers at the Inova Health System in Northern Virginia on several projects involving the effects of Healing Touch on patient-centered outcomes in the acute care setting, as well as the impact of Healing Touch training on nursing practice and resilience.
Dr. Anderson is the President of Healing Beyond Borders, the international education and certification organization for Healing Touch. He is an active member of the International Dementia Scholars Collaborative, the Gerontological Society of America, and the International Family Nursing Association. Dr. Anderson is a member of the Kappa Omicron Nu honor society and the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Integrative Medicine & Therapy. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, the Tri-Services Nursing Research Program, and the Wellcome Trust. Dr. Anderson is editor of the International Family Nursing Association blog.