Literature Review

John Whyte, MD, MPH, selected as the AMA’s new CEO American Medical Association (AMA), Chicago, IL; by Staff News Writer; 5/9/25 The AMA Board of Trustees has chosen John Whyte, MD, MPH, a nationally renowned public health advocate, physician executive, corporate strategist and communication expert, as its next executive vice president and CEO. Dr. Whyte ushers in a new era of leadership for the 178-year-old institution amid strong membership growth and a renewed focus on solving challenges that affect physicians and patients. Dr. Whyte’s tenure will begin July 1. Dr. Whyte brings extensive corporate, governmental and clinical experience to his role leading the day-to-day operations of the AMA. A board-certified internal medicine physician for nearly 30 years, Dr. Whyte joins the AMA from WebMD, where he has served as chief medical officer (CMO) since 2018 and helped grow the media company’s strategic partnerships, influence and vision.

National Alliance for Care at Home unveils new website to enhance member experience The National Alliance for Care at Home, Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/5/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance), the leading advocate and educator for the care at home community, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, AllianceForCareAtHome.org. The new site reflects the Alliance’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and delivering enhanced value to member organizations and all care at home stakeholders. ... “We’re excited to introduce our new website as a digital reflection of who we are and where the Alliance is headed,” said CEO Dr. Steve Landers. ... Key features of the new website include:

Haven Hospice's [FL] E.T. York Hospice Care Center implements "Christmas Room"Haven Hospice press release; by Hailey Reidy; 4/3/25Haven Hospice's E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville has created a Christmas Room to allow their pediatric patients to celebrate with their families. The room came to be at the wish of these patients wanting to celebrate Christmas one last time which their care team and other member of Haven's team supported. The Haven Women of Philanthropy group also supported the room, covering the cost and gathering supplies.Article posted in Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association's newsletter The Hospice Professional.

The Big Bend Hospice linen drive brings comfort to patients in rural communities: Addressing a critical need in underserved areas ABC WTXL-TV 27, Tallahassee/Monticello, FL; by Lentheus Chaney; 4/30/25 In Jefferson County, kindness sometimes comes in the form of cotton. Big Bend Hospice is collecting linens here to help patients face their final days with dignity. Big Bend Hospice just launched a linen drive. It's asking neighbors to donate new Twin XL-sized bed sheets. They'll be used for patients across Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor counties. The drive's goal is to ensure no one spends their final days without the comfort of clean sheets—something most of us take for granted. The  need is especially great in rural areas. According to state data, hospice use in parts of North Florida lags behind the statewide average—just 57%. That's compared to nearly 66% across Florida. That gap means fewer resources in the places that need them most.Editor's note: Typically, we don't post donor-related articles until after completion. However, this unique community outreach by Big Bend Hospice raises our awareness of practical, simple, meaningful outreach in underserved rural areas. What practical, affordable, meaningful outreach does this spark for your hospice's rural--or other underserved--patients?

NPHI Honors Visionary Leaders and Organizations at 2025 Annual Summit National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/6/25 The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) proudly recognized three outstanding leaders and organizations during its 2025 Annual Summit, honoring their profound contributions to end-of-life care. These annual awards celebrate those who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to innovation, compassion, and person-centered care in the hospice, palliative, and advanced illness care field.  

[France] Deputies approve bill creating Right to Assisted Dying Time.News; 5/3/25 Is the right to die a fundamental human right, or a risky step towards devaluing life? France is grappling with this profound question as a new bill edges closer to legalizing aid in dying. the implications could ripple far beyond French borders, influencing the debate in the United States and around the world. The bill, initially presented by President Emmanuel Macron in March 2024, faced delays due to the dissolution of the National Assembly. Now,revived and championed by Prime Minister François Bayrou,the executive text has been divided into two separate legal proposals. One focuses on enhancing palliative care, while the other addresses aid in dying.

Dombi: At-home care providers must overcome ‘self-inflicted challenge’ to flourish Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 5/2/25 Despite operating on razor-thin margins and facing persistent reimbursement challenges, some home-based care providers are setting themselves apart by leaning into innovation. By embracing alternative payment models, virtual health and opportunities like hospital-at-home programs, providers can save themselves from home-based care’s “self-inflicted challenge” of not capitalizing on the industry’s evolving opportunities, according to Bill Dombi, senior counsel for Arnall Golden Gregory law firm. He also formerly led the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), which following a merger is now the National Alliance for Care at Home. While workforce shortages, potential Medicaid cuts and unsustainable payment rates threaten the industry, opportunity awaits those willing to evolve, Dombi said.

Hospice AIA Hospice & Palliative Care Today compilation; 5/5/25We've seen several recent articles discussing the benefits of additional AI integration into hospice services.

Listen to what your mother tells you, especially near the end News+ Membership; by Jerry Davich; 5/7/25If your mother is no longer alive, what were her last words to you? My mom passed away two years ago and I’ve been asking myself this question since her last breath, which took place in my presence. I had just placed a yellow tulip next to her pillow on a bed inside her hospice room. It was an early Mother’s Day gift, continuing a tradition I started as a child with a stolen tulip from a neighbor’s yard. I knew my mother would not be around a month later for her special holiday. In fact, she wouldn’t be around just a minute later. While pondering that stolen moment, I looked over to my mom and noticed her left index finger moving. It was just a twitch, but until that time she had made no movements since she was admitted into a local hospice near my home. ...... Though I can’t recall my mom’s final words, I deeply feel her lasting legacy of love for my family. We continue to talk about her every day. We think of her every moment. We share photos and memories of her on a family group text thread. Some make us laugh. Some make us cry. This is the beauty and the heartbreak of losing a mother or a father. My mom may be gone, but her gentle voice can be heard in my head any time I want or need it. ...

Obituary: Dr. John A. MulderNorton Shores, MI; 5/5/25Dr. John Adrian Mulder, a devoted husband, loving father, revered physician, and cherished friend, died peacefully at Vanderbilt Hospital after a short bout of pneumonia on May 1, 2025. John was born in Pontiac, MI to Rev. Dr. John and Lydia Mulder on September 12, 1952. As John’s family followed his father’s service to the Methodist Church, they lived in Pontiac, Detroit, Saginaw, Royal Oak, and Dearborn. ... A pioneer in the field of palliative care, Dr. Mulder was known not only for his clinical excellence, but also for his uncommon grace and empathy. He was a guiding light for thousands of patients and families as they navigated the most vulnerable moments of life. Dr. Mulder’s impact extended far beyond the exam room. As a teacher, international speaker, and thought leader, he helped shape national conversations around end-of-life care. Instilled with a deep sense of purpose and compassion, John dedicated his life to the service of others through medicine, ministry, music, and mentorship. A pioneer in the field of palliative care, Dr. Mulder was known not only for his clinical excellence, but also for his uncommon grace and empathy. He was a guiding light for thousands of patients and families as they navigated the most vulnerable moments of life. Dr. Mulder’s impact extended far beyond the exam room. As a teacher, international speaker, and thought leader, he helped shape national conversations around end-of-life care. 

American Nurses Enterprise celebrates the power of nurses furing National Nurses Week American Nurses Enterprise: American Nurses Association - American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Nurses Foundation, Silver Spring, MD; newsroom@ana.org; 4/20/25 Today, the American Nurses Enterprise — encompassing the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) — kicks off National Nurses Week (May 6–12) with a powerful message: The Power of Nurses™. This year’s campaign shines a national spotlight on nurses as the driving force behind compassionate care, innovation, and transformative changes in healthcare. From coast to coast, the enterprise is launching a series of high-impact events — including a national press conference, educational webinars, landmark light-ups, and direct engagement with policymakers—to celebrate the unparalleled contributions of nurses and call on the public to honor their essential role in shaping a healthier future for all.

Potentially unsafe low-evidence treatmentsGeriPal podcast; by Eric Widera, Alex Smith, Adam Marks, Laura Taylor, Jill Schneiderhan; 4/25/25More and more people are, “doing their own research.” Self-identified experts and influencers on podcasts (podcasts!) and social media endorse treatments that are potentially harmful and have little to no evidence of benefit, or have only been studied in animals... We and our guests have noticed that in our clinical practices, patients and caregivers seem to be asking for such treatments more frequently.

Longmont women celebrate milestone 100th birthdays with community and caregivers Longmont Leader, Longmont, CO; by Tricia Stortz; 4/28/25 Two Longmont women are marking a rare milestone this week as they each celebrate their 100th birthdays surrounded by caregivers, family, and friends who have helped shape their life journeys.Virginia, a palliative care patient at The Peaks Care Center, turned 100 on April 25. Dorothea VanLoo, a hospice patient at McIntosh Skilled Nursing Facility, celebrates her centennial today on April 28. Both women are under the care of TRU Community Care, Colorado’s first hospice organization, which today serves more than 1,300 patients and participants across a range of programs. Their milestone birthdays have inspired a community effort to honor lives richly lived.