Laura Morrison, MD, FAAHPM, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics); Director of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Education; and Director, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Yale Cancer Center was named one of the most influential leaders in hospice and palliative care, a field focused on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses.
The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) asked its more than 5,000 members to nominate who they think are the leaders – or Visionaries – in the field.
Dr. Morrison is one of those physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals recognized by their peers for the important role they played in advancing the specialty of Hospice and Palliative Care.
“This honor and recognition is extremely meaningful coming from my peers and colleagues in the field. I’ve been privileged to have many opportunities to contribute specifically to the educational standards and infrastructure for palliative care education and training nationally. We strive to be innovative and at the forefront so all our patients and families receive the best possible quality of care,” Dr. Morrison said.
Hospice and palliative medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on improving quality of life and relieving pain and other symptoms in seriously ill patients. Palliative care can and should be provided to patients who continue to receive treatments to try to cure or control their disease, regardless of their prognosis. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for patients whose life expectancy is likely to be six months or less. Hospice and palliative care also helps patients and families understand their treatment options and make decisions about their care, and provides information on spiritual and psychosocial services, support for family and caregivers and grief counseling.
“This program recognizes extraordinary individuals who continue to enhance the delivery of care for seriously ill patients and have brought true innovation to our field,” noted Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA FASAE, AAHPM CEO.
“These visionaries represent thousands of clinicians, educators, and researchers who continue to innovate and lead the field to provide the highest quality care and support for those living with serious illness and their caregivers.” noted Vicki Jackson, president of AAHPM
More information on the Visionaries project, including the list of the award winners is on the Academy’s website www.aahpm.org.