Rebecca Klam, PsyD

Rebecca Klam, PsyD, is a Clinical Health Psychologist at Tampa General Hospital specializing in eating disorders, obesity medicine, and complex digestive diseases with adolescents and adults. As Medical Director of Behavioral Medicine within the Digestive Disease Institute at TGH and USF Health, Dr. Klam oversees the expansion of specialized services supporting GI and Bariatric physicians and surgeons, focusing on bariatric surgery evaluations, pre- and post- operative optimization, and the impact of the brain-gut connection. In her role as the elected Section Chief of Psychology at TGH, she serves as a liaison to psychologists within the hospital system, aiming to expand the impact and utilization of the field of psychology both within the hospital and the broader community. Further, as an Associate Professor within the USF Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Klam provides clinical education and supervision. With an extensive publication record and international presentations, Dr. Klam actively engages in novel research and interventions, contributing to the progression of psychology within the realms of bariatrics, eating disorders, health psychology and GI Psychology.

Dr. Klam received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She then completed APA-Accredited internship at Pacific University in Portland, OR with an emphasis in leadership development and testing evaluations and fellowship at Florida International University in Miami, FL with a specialization in eating disorders and testing evaluations. Throughout her formal training and clinical work experience, Dr. Klam has worked within multi-disciplinary teams to treat complex mental and physical health problems in a variety of settings such as eating disorder treatment centers, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, VA hospitals, and academic medical centers. She started her interest in research and teaching in undergrad at the University of Central Florida which she has continued throughout her formal education and career. A native Floridian and first-generation Cuban American, Dr. Klam is proud of her heritage and using it as a strength in her work, building connections with patients and understanding how culture plays an important role in seeking healthcare. Dr. Klam has embraced Tampa as her home the last several years, actively participating in community events and building meaningful connections, all while finding balance as a recent mother with her husband. Her enduring passion for understanding the mind-body connection underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive care and fostering holistic well-being in each patient she serves.