The field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine has come along way and so has the Academy. Read about the history of AAHPM, from today since its inception!
1980s and 1990s
The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) was established in 1988 as the Academy of Hospice Physicians with 250 founding members.
In 1990, the organization began publishing the Hospice Update newsletter and creating educational programs to support its mission.
By 1996, it had changed its name to AAHPM to encompass both hospice and palliative medicine.
The American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine was incorporated in 1997, offering certification to physicians and marking the beginning of the Academy’s efforts to publish influential resources like the first Primer of Palliative Care and the UNIPAC series.
2000s
In 2003, AAHPM became a founding member of the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care and secured a seat in the American Medical Association House of Delegates.
By the mid-2000s, the Academy partnered with nursing associations to sponsor joint meetings, received significant grants to expand infrastructure, and gained recognition for hospice and palliative medicine as a subspecialty.
Membership had nearly tripled by 2008, leading to affiliations with prominent journals and the introduction of e-learning tools.
The late 2000s saw the creation of scholarships for developing countries, increased advocacy efforts, and active engagement with social media.
2010s
The early 2010s saw substantial achievements, including the development of online resources, participation in national campaigns, and securing funding for fellowship programs.
The Academy also significantly influenced policy through advocacy and legislative efforts such as the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA).
As membership numbers continued to rise, AAHPM launched initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion, established new councils, and developed various educational guides and leadership programs.
By the end of the decade, AAHPM had published important plans and measures, launched quality collaborative projects, and achieved peak membership figures.
2020s
The 2020s began with significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, AAHPM adapted quickly by transitioning to virtual formats for meetings and educational events and focusing its advocacy on protecting clinicians and ensuring patient care safety.
The Academy also addressed contemporary issues such as racial injustice and healthcare disparities, furthering its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Milestones included the addition of new editorial leadership for its journal and continuation of its educational missions despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
As of now, AAHPM maintains a strong presence and a proactive stance in advancing hospice and palliative medicine, reflecting a rich history of dedication to improving the quality of care and support provided to patients and their families.