Abby R. Rosenberg, MD MS MA FAAHPM
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston Children’s Hospital; Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
AAHPM reached out to the 2024 Visionaries to gain insight into what motivated them to pursue leadership positions and what they find more fulfilling in their experiences. Abby R. Rosenberg, MD MS MA FAAHPM has been recognized as one of the exceptional individuals chosen as a 2024 AAHPM Visionaries in Hospice and Palliative Care.
Who has most influenced your work and how have they shaped your contributions?
I “grew up” with an academic model of team science; I have a whole group of people who influenced my work. Joanne Wolfe welcomed me to the pediatric palliative care community and who helped me translate my vague ideas about resilience to specific scientific questions. Chris Feudtner suggested partnering with interprofessional scientists to develop an intervention. Joyce Yi-Frazier helped me bridge the gap between traditional medical and psychosocial approaches. Randy Curtis taught me how test my interventions in clinical trials, and ultimately how to mentors others in the same. Peers provided me with moral support, constructive criticism, and laughter. My husband and sons provided me with respite, solace, joy, and meaning. My mentees taught me the value of giving back. My patients provided inspiration. I am grateful to all of them.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Visionary” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
It is a tremendous honor! I have long believed that promoting resilience is part of our mission: it helps us alleviate suffering, improve quality of life, and enable our patients to thrive despite the adversities and stressors of illness.
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
Serious illness care is evolving. People are living longer and – ideally – better and more aligned with what matters to them. My vision for hospice and palliative care is that we continue integrating interprofessional tools and wisdom to help people with serious illness live their best lives for as long as possible.
Learn more about the AAHPM 2024 Visionaries in Hospice and Palliative Care and view a full list of all current and past Visionaries.