San Diego’s Hidden Jewel Celebrates 20 Years of Global Leadership in the Field of Palliative Medicine
The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice celebrates milestone
(SAN DIEGO) – San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria, and local, national and international leaders participated in The Institute for Palliative Medicine’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. The event recognized the global achievements of the San Diego based non-profit institute, in the field of palliative medicine, education, and research at a special celebration held Wednesday evening.
The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice is dedicated to the relief of suffering through the transformation of healthcare, focusing on discovering, demonstrating and disseminating strategies for palliative care in existing health care systems here in San Diego and throughout the world. Mayor Jerry Sanders referred to The Institute as San Diego’s “Hidden Jewel” in the field of palliative medicine.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Charles von Gunten, Provost, The Institute for Palliative Medicine is home to the country’s largest palliative medicine physician fellowship program and provides education to more than 2,000 health care professional and students each year. The Institute’s faculty helped pioneer the palliative medicine subspecialty, approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties in 2006.
An example of its global reach this week, The Institute for Palliative Medicine welcomes 30 palliative care physician leaders participating in the new International Palliative Care Leadership Development Initiative. This program is funded by the Open Society Institute, with collaborative support provided by the National Cancer Institute and The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Representatives from these funding organizations were on hand to celebrate this milestone event.
“The two year Leadership Development Initiative supports the development of leadership skills among palliative care physicians, in resource limited countries around the world. This Initiative helps to build a vital international network of the next generation of palliative care leaders,” said Dr. Frank D. Ferris, Director of International Programs at The Institute for Palliative Medicine. “They are the generation that will develop delivery systems for palliative care to populations who desperately need it.”
As part of the 20th Anniversary celebration, The Institute for Palliative Medicine’s Dr. Jeffrey N. Stoneberg, was presented with one of the first annual Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physician Awards for his outstanding clinical skills and achievements, and in growing the Scripps Mercy Palliative Medicine Consultation Service. Dr. Stoneberg was presented with the award by Matthew A. Baxter, Founder of the Cunniff-Dixon Foundation and Thomas Murray, PhD, President of The Hastings Center.
"This award is well-deserved recognition of Dr. Stoneberg's commitment to advancing palliative care medicine in a very compassionate way," saidTom Gammiere, Chief Executive, Scripps Mercy Hospital. "We are so proud to work with such a devoted physician and patient advocate."
“For two decades, The Institute has been at the forefront of national and international efforts. We have improved the quality and accessibility of palliative care through scientific research, professional education, and evidence-based advocacy.” said Dr. von Gunten. “It is exciting to celebrate this important milestone and get a glimpse into what the future brings with the participation of our international colleagues and recognize Dr. Stoneberg’s early career accomplishments.”
For more information, visit The Institute for Palliative Medicine’s new website at www.palliativemed.org [1].
Palliative care is the prevention and relief of suffering by a specialized medical team that focuses on managing symptoms, relieving pain, and improving quality of life, whatever the diagnosis.
About The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice
The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice is internationally recognized for its excellence in palliative care education and research. Dedicated to the relief of suffering through the transformation of health care, it focuses on discovering, demonstrating and disseminating strategies for palliative care in existing health care systems whether here in San Diego or throughout the world. Home to the country’s largest palliative medicine physician fellowship program, the Institute also provides education to more than 2,000 health care professional and students each year. The Institute helped pioneer the palliative medicine subspecialty approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties in 2006. For more information, visit The Institute for Palliative Medicine’s new website at www.palliativemed.org [1].
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