The Department of Medicine (DOM) has announced an organizational restructuring aimed at enhancing the integration of the Section of Palliative Care. Starting September 1, 2024, the section will join the newly renamed Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care reflecting a strategic alignment designed to enhance patient care for those with serious illnesses and complex health needs.
The division will be led by Dr. Cathleen Colón-Emeric who will also serve as the section chief for geriatrics. The Section of Palliative Care will be led by Dr. David Casarett. The division will report directly to Dr. Kathleen Cooney, chair of the DOM. Additionally, the division will maintain a reporting line to Dr. David Gallagher, chief medical officer of Duke University Hospital.
This restructuring aligns two specialties with a shared mission and historical roots in geriatrics. By combining their expertise, the division aims to advance care models that cater to patients with complex conditions and bolster outreach efforts to underserved communities.
"The integration of geriatrics and palliative care under one division is a significant step toward enhancing our ability to provide holistic, patient-centered care," said Dr. Kathleen Cooney. "This reorganization will allow us to leverage the strengths of both specialties, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in clinical care."
The Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care will continue to prioritize education, mentorship, and the development of innovative care models. Leaders within the division are committed to fostering partnerships that will support these goals and further the mission of Duke Health.