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February 11-13, 2022
Music City Center
Nashville, TN

Plans are underway to host the State of the Science as an in-person meeting in 2022. Network with fellow investigators and gain insights to new research and methods in hospice and palliative medicine. An inclusive and safe environment is our top priority.

This inaugural State of the Science symposium is co-located with the Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care to maximize engagement and reduce travel costs. The symposium will overlap with Annual Assembly on Saturday.

Schedule and Pricing Health and Safety

Plan Your Trip

Those who register for the State of the Science will receive a 20% off coupon code to use towards registration for the Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care, if they choose to attend both.

About State of the Science

The purpose of the meeting is to support and advance the science of hospice and palliative care by fostering community and multidisciplinary collaboration, building capacity through investigator development, and sharing cutting-edge research by scientists at all career stages:

  • hear from leading researchers about the latest science in palliative care and hospice - across the lifespan
  • network as a scientific community to foster interdisciplinary collaborations
  • learn the latest in research design and methods
  • participate in investigator development activities across all research career stages.

Call for Abstracts

You are invited to submit an abstract proposal for the State of the Science in Hospice and Palliative Care, taking place February 11-13, 2022 in Nashville, TN. This is a great opportunity to share and disseminate the latest research in the field.

Abstracts closed on October 18 at Noon PT. 

Intended Symposium Outcomes

Within an inclusive community of interprofessional palliative and hospice care scientists, participants will:

  • Synthesize cutting-edge research focused on care for people with serious illness that impacts practice, policy, and social justice.
  • Engage with a diverse research community to foster networking, collaboration, and mentor-mentee relationships.
  • Refine knowledge and skills in research methods and scientific professional development across the career trajectory.

Intended Audience

If you're a researcher whose focus is on people with serious illness or a clinical scientist who is interested in actively working in hospice and palliative care research, or if you are considering research as a career direction, this meeting is for you.

The State of the Science in Hospice and Palliative Care offers a maximum of 7.0 Accredited Continuing Education Credits for successful participation in the live conference event. The number of CME/NCPD credits are subject to change upon faculty availability.

Following three months of constructive conversation with stakeholders across AAHPM, the decision has been reached to move forward with an in-person State of the Science, February 11-13, 2022, in Nashville, TN.

The health, safety, and well-being of our meeting attendees, staff and partner-vendors remains a top priority. We continue to monitor the latest world and local conditions, cases, new technologies, and personal safety concerns and are prepared to make adjustments as necessary.

Additionally, as a professional association with stated values that support diversity, equity and inclusion, this meeting provides us with an opportunity to build a culture of allyship. It creates a space for education, leadership, and bringing our community together to use our voices on-the-ground to positively impact and support those marginalized by Tennessee’s anti-transgender legislation.

AAHPM is currently exploring numerous ways in which we can serve as allies to the LGBTQ community in Nashville – from sessions fostering a greater understanding of transgender identity, to community service projects, and backing local LGBTQ-owned businesses. We also welcome your ideas. Please send your ideas to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

We are working diligently with partner-vendors to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. AAHPM thanks you for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you to the 2022 State of the Science.

AAHPM thanks you for your continued support and looks forward to welcoming you to the 2022 State of the Science.

Visit the Safe Planning page for latest updates and to learn more about our efforts to continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for our attendees.

Policies and Waivers

At the time of registration, the following policies and waivers will need to be accepted for all State of the Science attendees and exhibitors:

Steering Committee

Jean S. Kutner, MD MPH FAAHPM, Co-Chair
R. Sean Morrison, MD FAAHPM, Co-Chair
Rebecca Aslakson, MD PhD FAAHPM
Areej El-Jawahri, MD
Pamela S. Hinds, PhD RN FAAN
Kathryn Pollak, PhD

Program Committee

J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN, Co-Chair
Abby Rosenberg, MD MS MA, Co-Chair
Melissa Aldridge, PhD MBA
Joan Carpenter, PhD CRNP
Lee Ellington, PhD
Stacy Fischer, MD
Emily Johnston, MD
Arif Kamal, MD MBA MHS FAAHPM
Cara McDermott, PharmD PhD
Oreofe Odejide, MD MPH
Eric Roeland, MD FAAHPM
Gretchen (Margaret) Schwarze, MD MPP
Alex Smith, MD MPH MS
Deborah Waldrop, PhD MS MSW LMSW
Rachel Wells, PhD MSN RN CNL