Diane E. Meier is a prominent figure in the field of palliative care, renowned for her tireless efforts in improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. As a professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Meier has dedicated her career to advancing the field of palliative care, with a strong focus on geriatric medicine.
Early Life and Education
Diane E. Meier was born in New York City, where she spent most of her childhood. She developed an interest in medicine at an early age, driven by a desire to help others. Dr. Meier pursued her undergraduate degree at Oberlin College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. She then attended the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree in 1977.
Residency and Fellowship
Following medical school, Dr. Meier completed her internal medicine residency at the Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center. She then pursued a fellowship in general internal medicine at the same institution, which she completed in 1981. During her fellowship, Dr. Meier developed a strong interest in geriatric medicine, recognizing the need for improved care for older adults with serious illnesses.
Career and Achievements
Dr. Meier’s career in palliative care spans over three decades, during which she has made significant contributions to the field. In 1997, she co-founded the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), a national organization dedicated to improving palliative care in the United States. Under her leadership, CAPC has grown into a leading resource for hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare organizations seeking to establish and improve palliative care programs.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Meier’s dedication to palliative care has earned her numerous awards and honors. In 2008, she received the National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) Geriatric Medicine Academic Award, recognizing her contributions to the field of geriatric medicine. She has also been awarded the American Geriatrics Society’s (AGS) David H. Solomon Memorial Award, the Hospice and Palliative Care Federation’s (HPNF) Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s (AAHPM) Lifetime Achievement Award.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| NIA Geriatric Medicine Academic Award | 2008 |
| AGS David H. Solomon Memorial Award | 2010 |
| HPNF Lifetime Achievement Award | 2012 |
| AAHPM Lifetime Achievement Award | 2015 |
Publications and Research
Dr. Meier has published numerous articles and book chapters on palliative care, geriatric medicine, and healthcare policy. Her research has focused on improving palliative care delivery, with a particular emphasis on hospital-based palliative care programs. She has also written extensively on the importance of palliative care education and the need for increased funding for palliative care research.
Selected Publications
Some of Dr. Meier’s notable publications include “Palliative Care: A Practical Guide” (2015), “Geriatric Palliative Care” (2012), and “Hospital-Based Palliative Care” (2009). Her work has been published in prominent medical journals, such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
- "Palliative Care: A Practical Guide" (2015)
- "Geriatric Palliative Care" (2012)
- "Hospital-Based Palliative Care" (2009)
What is palliative care?
+Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness. It is typically provided by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
+Palliative care is provided to patients with serious illnesses, regardless of their prognosis. Hospice care, on the other hand, is provided to patients who are terminally ill and have a limited life expectancy, typically six months or less.
How can I access palliative care services?
+Palliative care services are typically available in hospitals, clinics, and hospices. You can ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a palliative care team, or you can contact a local hospice or palliative care organization directly to inquire about their services.
