BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Kurt Merkelz, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of Compassus, has been invited to join the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) Quality Committee.
AAHPM is a professional organization for physicians, nurses and other health care providers specializing in hospice and palliative medicine who are dedicated to improving the care of patients with serious illness.
The Quality Committee’s primary focus is to advance the quality of hospice and palliative care through education and public policy. Dr. Merkelz will participate on the committee for a two-year term to help develop quality metrics that are meaningful for patients with serious illness and improve outcome measures.
“Throughout my career, I have been committed to achieving patient-centered outcomes and measurable improvements in quality of life for my patients and their families,” said Dr. Merkelz. “I am grateful to AAHPM for giving me the opportunity to join other likeminded physicians in helping to ensure patients and families receive the care they deserve when facing serious or life-limiting illnesses.”
Dr. Merkelz received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed residencies in family medicine and geriatric medicine at the University of Cincinnati. Following his residency at the University of Cincinnati, he became assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center – Hartford Geriatric Center of Excellence in San Antonio.
Dr. Merkelz is triple-board certified in hospice and palliative care medicine, family practice and geriatrics.
For more information about the AAHPM, visit aahpm.org.
