
William Rosa, PhD MBE ACHPN FAAN
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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. William Rosa, PhD MBE ACHPN FAANhas 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?
Dr. Betty Ferrell has been the quintessential cheerleader, mentor, teacher, partner, guide, and friend. Her authentic commitment to palliative care and nursing globally has awakened in me a belief that I can make a positive and meaningful difference, I can lead measurable change, and I should let my passion for this work show. Dr. Ferrell has infused my career with her generosity, kindness, warmth, and humility. She makes me proud to be a palliative nurse and will forever be an indelible part of any professional distinction I might receive in my career. I always carry the lessons learned from my many mentors and colleagues around the world, especially the incredible clinicians in the Supportive Care Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Salimah Meghani at the University of Pennsylvania. I am endlessly inspired by the countless interprofessional and international colleagues, communities, organizations, patients, and family caregivers I am blessed to work with every day. These human beings remind me of my “must,” my “why,” and how privileged I am to do this sacred work we call palliative care.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Visionary” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
Being nominated by Dr. Betty Ferrell and recognized by my interdisciplinary colleagues, for whom I have the utmost admiration, is a reminder to stay true to my heart and instincts in my work. To say it is an honor is an understatement. It is a moment to celebrate the unbelievable gift of being loved by my husband, Michael, and parents, Bea and Bill Rosa. They are the real visionaries. They have always seen something in me that I could never quite see myself. This recognition is a moment in time to pause, reflect… and keep going because there is so much good work still to do!
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
That we – as clinicians, researchers, advocates, educators, policy makers, patients, family caregivers, and community partners – continue to develop truly interdisciplinary and culturally inclusive approaches to palliative care throughout the lifespan and care continuum so that every person facing serious illness and those who care for them have universal and unfettered access to compassionate, whole-person services.
Learn more about the AAHPM 2024 Visionaries in Hospice and Palliative Care and view a full list of all current and past Visionaries.