Brett Prestia, DO HMDC
Chief Hospice Lead for Yale New Haven Health System and Medical Director for the Health System’s Hospice Agency
As the Chief Hospice Lead for Yale New Haven Health System and the Medical Director for the system’s hospice agency, Brett plays a critical role in shaping how end-of-life care is delivered across a complex healthcare organization. His work centers on improving access to hospice and palliative care by collaborating with community partners and hospice providers, identifying systemic barriers, and expanding care delivery programs. Each day, Brett focuses on enhancing the end-of-life experience for patients, families, and care teams, ensuring that compassionate, high-quality care is accessible when it matters most.
Brett’s path into hospice and palliative medicine was not accidental. During medical school, he experienced a transformative moment that drew him to this field. That early sense of calling has continued to guide his work, reinforcing his deep commitment to supporting patients navigating serious illness and the complexities of end-of-life care.
Over time, Brett’s career has evolved into one defined by leadership and impact. What began as clinical work has grown into broader administrative and strategic responsibilities, enabling him to lead program expansion and implement innovative models of care. This progression has allowed Brett to influence not only patient outcomes but also the direction of hospice and palliative medicine within his health system and beyond.
Driving Innovation and Impact in Hospice Care
For Brett, success in hospice and palliative care requires more than clinical expertise. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, particularly the ability to actively listen and intuitively “read the room.” These skills are essential in building trust with patients, supporting families through difficult moments, and collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary care teams.
He’s especially proud of efforts to expand hospice services within his organization. This includes the development of dedicated Comfort Measures Only (CMO) units in multiple hospitals, an initiative that has helped improve the quality of care for patients at the end of life. Additionally, his team has made meaningful strides in reducing hospital readmissions for vulnerable populations, ensuring that care is more aligned with patient goals and preferences.
At a national level, Brett also takes pride in ongoing work within the field to reevaluate policy frameworks and enhance member experiences, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive future for hospice and palliative medicine.
Finding Community Through AAHPM
The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) represents more than a professional organization for Brett —it’s a family. Joining the Academy felt natural, as it serves as a central place where professionals in hospice and palliative care come together, learn from one another, and advance the field collectively.
The Annual Assembly stands out as a cornerstone of Brett’s experience. It provides a dynamic space for sharing new ideas and building valuable peer-to-peer connections that extend beyond the event itself.
Through his involvement, the Academy has played a significant role in Brett’s professional growth. Leadership opportunities, academic presentations, and access to a strong professional network have helped elevate his career while also providing a trusted space to navigate complex challenges. He serves as Chair of the Communities Committee and actively contributes to task forces, work groups, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs), helping to shape the future of the organization and the field.
Learning, Growth, and Looking Ahead
Throughout his career, Brett has embraced both serious and lighthearted lessons along the way. One of the simplest pieces of advice he recalls was “Don’t smoke”.
Today, much of Brett’s focus lies in balancing program growth with limited healthcare resources. Brett is particularly energized by ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at reducing administrative and bureaucratic barriers in hospice care. These changes have the potential to improve access, streamline processes, and ultimately ensure that more patients receive timely, compassionate care at the end of life.
Outside of the clinical and administrative world, he’s trying to grow a Meyer lemon tree indoors in New England. While it has proven more challenging than expected, it reflects the same patience and persistence he brings to his professional life.
Life Beyond Medicine
Outside of work, Brett’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his three young sons and watching them grow. He also finds relaxation in simple pleasures like gardening and taking walks outdoors. After particularly busy weeks, Brett unwinds by watching reality television to give his brain a break and find humor in the world.
And while his professional accomplishments are impressive, one fun and surprising fact adds a personal touch: Brett’s homemade apple pies have earned blue ribbons at state fairs.