January 28, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Elizabeth Kvale, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), recently completed the first session of a three-year leadership development program sponsored by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).

The academy is the professional organization for physicians committed to improving the quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness; the program, LEAD (Leadership Education and Development), helps junior faculty acquire and sharpen the key leadership and organizational management skills needed to bring change and improve care at academically based hospice and palliative care programs.

"Participating in LEAD was a transformative experience. I had the opportunity to meet and learn from the giants in the field," said Kvale.  "I am already bringing what I learned back to UAB to improve how we care for seriously ill patients and cancer survivors. Also, I am now part of a national network of other junior leaders who can support each other as we build our research and educational efforts."

Kvale was selected in a national competition for one of the 35 openings in LEAD; her research in palliative care caught the attention of program faculty. As the director of Outpatient Supportive and Palliative Care at UAB, she is working to improve care for people with serious illness or compromised quality of life who are living at home.

Kvale received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University and trained in family medicine at the University of Missouri.  Following residency, she completed a palliative care fellowship at UAB.

About the UAB Center for Palliative Care

The UAB Center for Palliative Care is a national leader in the field of palliative and supportive care, with demonstrated leadership in compassionate clinical care, collaborative research, community outreach and training.