Caris Healthcare Medical Directors, Nurse Practitioners and Patient Care Managers recently attended our Caris Leadership Development Institute. Held at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, the Caris Leadership Development Institute offers valuable continuing education credit hours through the University of Tennessee’s Graduate School of Medicine Continuing Education and Professional Development Department.

Throughout Caris Healthcare’s annual Clinical Leadership Development Institute conference attendees had the privilege of hearing from a number of experts on topics related to hospice and end-of-life care. Conference attendees heard from Charles Canaan of Palmetto GBA on New Local Care Determination (LCD) Guidelines; Allison Webb, PharmD on Determining Medication in Relation to Terminal Prognosis; Dan Ely, MD, on Educating Colleagues on the Value of Hospice; and Donald Lighter, MD, on The Future of Healthcare and the Impact on Hospice. In addition, conference attendees heard from Tracy Hill, DO, on Care of Pediatric Patients in Hospice, Annette Mendola, PhD, on Managing the Ethical Issues of Dementia; and Meg Maly, LCSW on Wellness through Laughter.

At the end of the jam packed agenda, Caris Healthcare Patient Care Managers presented their favorite Three Most Important Things experience from their office. Our Three Most Important Things program helps ensures compassion is grounded in the day-to-day care provided to each patient. Conference attendees teared up while reflecting on the fond memories made with patients.

“The theme of this year’s Clinical Leadership Development Institute was to continue to strive for clinical excellence,” said Bonita Ledgerwood, Vice President of Patient Care. “Each speaker brought their own expertise on how to better provide patients and their families with excellent end-of-life care.”