Dr. Gail Austin Cooneys contributions to the field of hospice and palliative medicine were recognized by the designation of Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), one of 60 nationally and the first physician in Palm Beach County. Her leadership role in the field was also recognized recently when she was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of AAHPM, as one of eight directors-at-large. As medical director of Hospice of Palm Beach County (HPBC), Cooney serves a mentor and role model for her medical staff. All eligible HPBC physicians, meeting certification requirements, sat for their boards and are certified in hospice and palliative medicine, a recognized medical subspecialty designed to meet the needs of patients with advanced illnesses and their families. Under Cooneys direction, both the number of full and part time HPBC physicians has increased, as well as their level of involvement. When Dr. Cooney became medical director in 1997, there were five physicians and the average daily census for the program was about 200 patients. Today, more than 30 physicians provide an excess of 2,500 palliative medicine visits monthly to 1,000 daily patients in the patients residence, hospital or inpatient unit. The physicians work directly with HPBC nurses, certified nursing assistants and counselors and act as liaisons with the patients primary physician. This level of physician involvement and interaction is unique in healthcare today.
