Dr. Patterson is a clinical health psychologist whose work focuses on behavioral determinants of health, using interdisciplinary approaches to solve individual and systemic challenges in the medical system and in the broader community. She has expertise in mind-body disorders that cross healthcare disciplines, such as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (conversion disorder), pain, anxiety interfering with physiological functioning and medical treatment, and conditioned responses precluding adherence to medical treatment plans. Dr. Patterson is interested in the ways that environmental, cultural, sociological, governance, financial, pedagogical and psychological factors influence medical systems, public health and well-being.