The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) Annual Assembly, held March 23 – 25 in Phoenix, Arizona, celebrated the presentation of the esteemed AAHPM Presidential Citations of 2024. Among just three recipients was the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB), recognized for its significant contributions to certifying hospice medical directors. Dr. David Wensel, current president of the HMDCB and TRU Community Care medical director, accepted this honor on behalf of the board. AAHPM’s annual Presidential Citations acknowledge individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the field of hospice and palliative care but do not qualify for consideration in other award categories.
Established in 2012 as an independent, nonprofit certifying body, HMDCB addresses the crucial need for certifying hospice medical directors across the United States, in Puerto Rico, and in Canada. The board’s mission is to ensure a minimum level of knowledge and competency among hospice providers, thereby enhancing standards of care for patients and their families.
Dr. Wensel, in his capacity as president, highlighted the profound impact of receiving the award from AAHPM, emphasizing the collective effort of the board in advancing the field of hospice care. His tenure on the board, which began in 2019 and culminated in being elected president in 2022, underscores his commitment to promoting excellence in hospice care.
“I’ve always felt the importance of this type of certification and this type of community, because many local hospice providers can’t do a fellowship. It’s not realistic for them to stop working their current practice to go do a year-long or two-year fellowship program to get board certification. HMDCB provides them a way to demonstrate this minimum level of knowledge, comprehension, understanding, and expertise as a hospice provider.”
The HMDCB has issued over 1200 certificates to hospice medical directors, setting a benchmark for excellence in hospice care. Dr. Wensel elaborated on the board’s responsibilities, which include overseeing the certification process, fostering a supportive community for hospice medical directors, and facilitating continuing education.
The evolving landscape of certification was also discussed, with Dr. Wensel highlighting HMDCB’s transition this year to a longitudinal approach for continuing certification that ensures ongoing education among certified professionals.
With only three AAHPM presidential citations awarded annually, HMDCB’s recognition reaffirms its pivotal role in advancing the field of hospice care and ensuring compassionate end-of-life care for all. The other two recipients of the AAHPM Presidential Citation were the Carter Family, for raising public awareness by being open about the decision to access hospice care for both President Carter and the late Mrs. Carter, and the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) for their outstanding contributions to advancing global hospice and palliative care initiatives.
