The AAHPM Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine program supports clinicians in training from communities underrepresented in HPM through structured sponsorship, leadership development, and scholarly engagement. Launched in 2023, the program strengthens the future workforce while advancing equity in hospice and palliative care.
Why the Next Gen Scholars Program Matters
Health equity in hospice and palliative medicine depends on a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Data shows that African American and Hispanic physicians represent less than 5% and 8% of HPM fellows, respectively, despite evidence that patient outcomes and satisfaction improve when clinicians share cultural and community backgrounds with patients. The Next Gen Scholars program addresses this gap by investing in future leaders committed to equity‑centered care.
Goals for the Program
- To inspire post-graduate clinicians in training from communities that are marginalized or underrepresented to pursue a career in HPM.
- To develop and empower AAHPM members to become sponsors and equity champions.
- To increase diversity and inclusion in the HPM professional workforce and leadership to more closely represent the communities we serve.
- To cultivate the next generation of scholars and leaders who will advance equity in HPM.
How Does The Program Work
- Primarily clinicians in training with strong interest in hospice and/or palliative care
- Priority given to individuals underrepresented in medicine
- Two‑year structured sponsor–scholar relationship
- Monthly virtual meetings focused on career development and scholarship
- Sponsor matching based on interests and practice location
- Scholars complete a project presented at the AAHPM Annual Assembly
- Projects may be featured in AAHPM publications or submitted to peer‑reviewed journals
- Program funds up to two in‑person sponsor–scholar meetings per year
We seek assistance from institutions and organizations that identify candidates of underrepresented backgrounds or that aim to serve as allies in promoting the program. Candidates should be interested in additional exposure to hospice & palliative medicine research, clinical and leadership training.
If your school is interested in partnering with AAHPM to help make this program a success please contact us as we would like to schedule a meeting to discuss a collaboration.
Scholars Benefits
- Long‑term mentorship from national HPM leaders
- Career sponsorship and professional networking
- Financial support for Annual Assembly participation
- Recognition through awards and publication opportunities
Sponsors Benefits
- Opportunity to advance equity in hospice and palliative medicine
- Shape the next generation of HPM leaders
- Structured, meaningful mentorship engagement over two year
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a clinician in training specializing in one of the following:
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Radiation Oncology
- Research
- Social Work
- Surgery
- Has a strong interest in hospice and/or palliative care
- Must be a US resident
AAHPM membership not required.
- Current AAHPM member
- Minimum of five years’ experience in hospice and/or palliative care
- Commitment to two years of mentorship with no financial benefit
Application Process
Applications for both scholars and sponsors are submitted through AAHPM’s online application portal.
When signing into the application portal:
- AAHPM Members: please click AAHPM login. Your login is your member credentials.
- Nonmembers: please click sign in as guest (scholar applicants only).
Application deadline is Tuesday, June 30 at 5pm CT.
We will do our best to match scholars with sponsors that share similar work experiences and will have ten (10) scholars and ten (10) sponsors matched by July 31. Those selected will be announced in August.
Celebrate Our Next Gen Cohort
Congratulations 2025-2027 Scholars
Linette Acevedo Iglesias, MD
Emmanuel Genaro Villalpando, MD
Deborah Hernandez, MD
Ishaani Khatri, MD
Leslie Ojeaburu, MD MPH
Adeoluwa Oyakhire, MD MPH
Rebecca Singer Cohen, DNP PhD
Rhonda Smith Wright, PhD RN
Ange Uwimana, MD MS
Alexis Webber, MD MS
Thank you to our 2025-2027 Sponsors!
- Robert M. Arnold, MD FAAHPM
- Elizabeth Chuang, MD MPH FAAHPM
- Jon P. Furuno, PhD FSHEA FAAHPM
- Ahashta Johnson, MD FAAHPM
- Christine Khandelwal, DO MHPE HMDCB FAAFP FAAHPM
- David M McGrew, MD HMDC FAAHPM
- Katherine O’Brien, MD
- Priya Pinto, MD FAAHPM
- Gina Piscitello, MD MS
- Nicky Quinlan, MD
Past Recipients
Scholars
Alexander Evans Ayala, MD MPH
Yasmina Hachem, MD
Kimberly Mendoza, MD PhD MPH
Tochi Jeffrey Nwaneri Nwosu, MD
Sheila Okere, MD
Daniella Ortiz, MD
Helen Toyer Queenan, MD
Ciara G. Smith, MD
Sponsors
Julie Childers, MD FAAHPM FASAM
Heather A. Harris, MD FAAHPM
Kimberly Kopecky, MD MSCI
Dana Lustbader, MD FAAHPM FCCM
Sonia Malhotra, MD MS FAAP FAAHPM
VJ Periyakoil, MD FAAHPM FAGS
Tammie E. Quest, MD FAAHPM
Holly Yang, MD HMDC FACP FAAHPMs
Scholars
Leah Carter, MD
Sofia Valbuena-Castor, MD
Bruno A. Costa, MD
Nicoy Downie, MD
Alexandria Hoy, MD
Rahee M. Nerurkar, MD
Jenay A. Powell, MD
Michael A. Walker
Sponsors
Susan E. Cohen, MD FAAHPM
Julie Childers, MD FAAHPM FASAM
Elizabeth Chuang, MD MPH FAAHPM
Khaliah A. Johnson, MD
Dana Lustbader, MD FAAHPM FCCM
Sonia Malhotra, MD MS FAAP FAAHPM
VJ Periyakoil, MD FAAHPM
Tammie E. Quest, MD FAAHPM
For more information or to inquire about the program, please contact Linda Sterling, DEI and Membership Engagement Manager ( [email protected]) or Laura Witt, Workforce Initiatives Manager ( [email protected]).
Building the Future With Our Scholars and Sponsors
This photo gallery celebrates the meaningful connections between our Next Gen Scholars and the generous sponsors who make their growth possible. These partnerships represent a shared commitment to advancing hospice and palliative care through education, leadership, and collaboration. Explore these moments that showcase how, together, we are shaping the future of compassionate care.
Support the Program
You can help support future scholars to participate in the Next Gen Scholars for Equity program. Help us to create opportunities for future leaders to continue to build a strong field for hospice and palliative medicine.
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