Eating Disorders Expert Receives International Award

Mary Tantillo, Ph.D., P.M.H.C.N.S.–B.C., F.A.E.D., associate professor of clinical nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was honored by the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) with the 2010 Meehan-Hartley Award for Public Service and Advocacy. The award, which recognizes contributions that have significantly advanced the field of eating disorders through impact on public policy, government advocacy and service to the community, was presented in June at the organization’s international conference in Salzburg, Austria.

Tantillo, director of the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders, has been an extremely active member of the AED, a global professional association committed to leadership in eating disorders research, education, treatment and prevention. She is a fellow and a past board member as well as the current chairperson for the AED Credentialing Task Force and co-chairperson for the Patient/Carer Task Force.

“The Meehan-Hartley Award recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring advocates like Mary who have made and continue to make significant contributions in advancing patient rights and access to quality care for those who suffer from eating disorders,” said Debra K. Katzman, M.D., F.A.E.D., president of the AED.

 

Tantillo has worked with patients with eating disorders and their families for more than 25 years in a variety of clinical settings. She is a champion for family involvement in treatment, education and advocacy efforts, and is well known for her tireless commitment to those she serves. She meets regularly with lawmakers statewide educating them about eating disorders and encouraging their support of legislation that funds recovery programs.

In addition to her role at the School of Nursing, Tantillo is a clinical associate of psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She also recently developed a partial hospitalization program, The Healing Connection, LLC, for adults and adolescents with eating disorders, filling a void in treatment options in the Rochester area.

 

“I am so proud to have received this award because it recognizes my efforts not only to advocate for patients and families, but also to promote systems and public policy that facilitate access to care and high-quality, evidence-based treatments,” said Tantillo. “It is an honor and privilege to work with those who have entrusted their care to me and allowed me to walk with them on their recovery journey. They have helped form who I am as a person and helped me become the clinician, teacher and researcher I am today.”

Tantillo was honored locally for her clinical care and public service in 2005 when she received the Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley, Inc. Woman of Influence in Health Care Award and in 2008 when she was given the Monroe Community College Alumni Contributing to the Community Award. She resides in Pittsford.