NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2021 - 23

We recently interviewed several hospice administrators to
learn about the value they find in employing HMDCB-certified
physicians, and how they believe this certification benefits
the hospice field.

Q. Why do you think it is important
for your physicians to become
HMDCB-certified?
PA: Certification as a Hospice
Medical Director assures a thorough
bedrock of appreciation, skill and
capacity to remain open-minded
and secure in the face of a myriad of
unexpected experiences with staff,
patients, families and physiciancolleagues.
KT: Physicians who seek this
specialty certification are today's
leaders, " real go-getters, " and strive
to make a difference with patients
and families. Certified physicians are
who I want working for our
organization.
Q. Talk about how this certification
has benefited your hospice,
patients, and/or partnership with
your physicians?
LK: Providing quality care starts
with our HMDCB Medical Director
and trickles down to all areas within
our organization.
KT: The education the physicians
discover through the process of
obtaining the certification benefits
us all in knowledge, skills and
performance. It connects and unites
us all together as a dynamic
organization and team to improve
our care delivery to our patients and
families.

Q. What would you say to
encourage other CEOs to hire a
physician that holds the HMDC
credential or support their
physicians in becoming certified?
PA: I would urge any CEO to elevate
the value of certification - not just
for nurses and others, but especially
for physicians. When faced with
choices during a recruitment
campaign, I would always advise
serious consideration - first - for
physicians who have demonstrated
their commitment to our specialty
through Certification.
LK: Quality hospice care starts at
the top. At Serenity, our Medical
Director provides education to our
frontline clinicians on a regular basis,
often during our IDG meetings. The
knowledge he is able to share from
achieving this certification helps our
organization maintain a high level of
quality care. This is reflected in our
CAHPS scores, HIS measures and
Joint Commission Accreditation.
Q. How do you think HMDCB
benefits the hospice field?
PA: Our society deserves the same
type of expertise in hospice and
palliative care as they have come to
expect in cardiologists, pediatricians
and other sub-specialists.
LK: Physicians who make the effort
to become certified are showing
their commitment to providing the
very best in care to those they serve.

Having a physician certified by
HMDCB sets a standard for an
organization and an expectation for
other frontline clinicians to seek
certifications in their field of
expertise.
KT: As our healthcare becomes
increasingly more complex, it is vital
to assure our community that we
have competent physicians in
hospice care. Certified HMDCB
physicians validate their mastery of
knowledge, skills and abilities
through certification. They are also
mentors and supporters to our
future hospice physicians, and
hospice organizations have a
responsibility to prepare our
physicians for the ever changing and
challenging times ahead.

The 2021 Initial Application Cycle is
now open through April 19, 2021.
Encourage your physicians to apply
by March 22, 2021 to save $250 in
late fees. Physicians can learn more
about the value of certification and
apply online by visiting www.
HMDCB.org/apply.
Patricia Ahern, RN
MBA FACHE, President
& CEO Care
Dimensions
Lynn Knodle, CHPCA,
CEO, Serenity Hospice
and Home
Karen Tucek, BSN RN
CHPN, Executive
Director, Hendrick
Hospice Care, Hendrick
Health Supportive &
Palliative Medicine

Newsline / Spring 2021

23
http://www.HMDCB.org/apply http://www.HMDCB.org/apply
NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2021
