Want to make a real impact and help shape the future of hospice and palliative care?
By sponsoring a scholar through the 2025 Next Gen Scholarship Program, you’ll play a key role in supporting rising leaders through mentorship, bringing your fresh ideas, and meaningful collaboration over two years. As a sponsor, you’ll also be a champion for your scholar—helping them grow their network, build confidence, and take the next step in their career.
We interviewed 2023 Next Gen Sponsors to learn why they joined and what they’ve gained from the experience. Their responses highlight the value of mentorship, connection, and investing in the next generation.
Elizabeth Chuang, MD MPH HEC-C
Director, Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics
Bronx, New York
What inspired you or your institution to sponsor the Next Gen Scholars Program, and why is supporting early-career professionals in HPM important to you?
My research focuses on the role that communication plays in exacerbating racial disparities in end-of-life care. Multiple studies have shown that communication is poorer when there is racial discordance between healthcare professionals and patients and families. Since empathic communication is so critical to our work, this is a major problem. Inspiring physicians from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue palliative care can increase the chance that patients can be cared for by doctors who share their backgrounds. Also, these young professionals may help their colleagues by modeling positive relationships with patients from minoritized backgrounds.
Khaliah A. Johnson, MD
Division Chief, Pediatric Palliative Care Associate Professor
Emory University School of Medicine
How do you see your support making an impact on the next generation of leaders in hospice and palliative medicine?
As I see it, the support I have provided to my mentee has helped him to gain confidence in his voice and presence within medicine. Knowing that you are seen and valued because of your perspective and lived experience is everything, especially in early career. Michael has already made a mark on our field by presenting his work as an end-of-life doula at the 2025 AAHPM Annual Assembly and will serve as a remarkable example for other trainees who are interested in pursuing hospice and palliative medicine as a specialty. I am so incredibly proud to be his mentor!
Ready to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders?
Apply by June 30 at 5 PM CT to become a sponsor.
Learn more and apply now!