Michael Rabow, MD FAAHPM
University of California, San Francisco
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. Michael Rabow, MD FAAHPMhas 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?
Ira Byock’s idea that “Symptom Management is our first priority but not our ultimate goal” has been a career-long inspiration to me. Hard to go deep existentially if you are in pain, depressed, or super constipated. Symptom management is necessary, but often not sufficient. It is the first step in creating safe space. I believe that creating safe space for people to experience (and perhaps express) the meaning of their lives is the most important palliative care work that I do.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Visionary” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
For me, being recognized as a “visionary” helps to situate me in the generational history of our field. I am honored to be working in the tradition of the founding generation; I am excited to be replaced by the next generation of clinicians and leaders. Feeling a part of the whole of palliative care is deeply satisfying to me.
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
My aspiration for the future is all about scale– how do we help refine or create a system where all healthcare communication can be clear (even exquisite), where all symptoms are addressed routinely and consistently, were all people facing serious illness are a part of a community of care and love. Palliative care does really great for the relatively few people we see, but we have the other 95% or the world to consider!
Learn more about the AAHPM 2024 Visionaries in Hospice and Palliative Care and view a full list of all current and past Visionaries.