Doris Howell Named Inaugural Recipient of “Transforming Healthcare” Award

Pioneer of modern hospice movement will be honored at dinner program on October 14

(San Diego) –   A pioneer in medicine will be honored for her legacy on Friday, October 14 as the San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine presents its inaugural “Transforming Healthcare” awards program.

Dr. Doris Howell, founding member of San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine, will receive the first Kaye Woltman Legacy award in recognition of Dr. Howell’s transformational contributions to the field of hospice care and palliative medicine. Dr. Howell was first introduced to the hospice concept as a young oncologist in 1968. She recognized its potential and embraced this radical departure from the way medicine had previously treating dying people and their families.

Dr. Howell’s colleagues consider her a role model for combining medical skill with human kindness, earning her the nickname “Dr. TLC.” Dr. Howell’s ongoing commitment in providing compassionate, dignified, end-of-life care helped change previous ways of thinking in the medical community, no small accomplishment.

“It is not an exaggeration to say that Dr. Howell is the mother of modern hospice care in San Diego County,” said Kathleen Pacurar, President and CEO of San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. “Every individual and every family member or friend of a person with life-limiting illness who has been helped by San Diego Hospice has been touched by the care of Dr. Howell whether they know her or not. It is truly a unique legacy in our community.”

Dr. Howell’s award is named for and pays tribute to the life and passion of Kaye Woltman who was a tireless advocate for this specialized field of healthcare. Each year, the chosen transformational honoree reflects Kaye Woltman’s compassion and commitment to San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine’s mission to prevent and relieve suffering and promote quality of life, at every stage of life, through patient and family care, education, research and advocacy. Woltman’s spirit of giving back to the community lives on through this annual healthcare award.

The awards event includes a dinner specially prepared by Jonathan Hale, Executive Chef at The Prado at Balboa Park, along with an appearance by Recording Artist Ellis Paul accompanied by The San Diego North Coast Singers. Paul will sing his original recording “We All Belong” written and performed in honor of the hospice and palliative care movement around the world.

For additional information about the event visit http://www.sdhospice.org/transforming-healthcare-award-dinner

About San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine
San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine is one of the largest community-owned, not-for-profit hospices in the country. The organization brings compassionate, expert medical care to more than 1,200 seriously ill adults and children each day throughout San Diego County. More information is available online at www.sdhospice.org or call toll-free at 1-866-688-1600. Join San Diego Hospice’s online communities at www.Facebook.com/SanDiegoHospice and www.Twitter.com/SanDiegoHospice

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