The first of its kind, the DPMPC links a state-of-the art multidisciplinary pain management program with an awarding-winning, comprehensive palliative care program. The department offers an array of interventions to patients and families to support quality of life during all stages of a life-limiting illness. Services include inpatient consultation, ambulatory case management, an inpatient unit, access to hospice care, and coordination with community-based services. The pain program offers a sophisticated array of treatments, including drug therapy, psychological interventions, physical therapy, nerve blocks and other invasive approaches, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

"Our dedicated team works very hard to provide quality care to patients and their families at such a delicate time in their lives. It is an honor to be recognized nationally for something that defines the basic essence of caring for another human being. We hope the success of our program helps inspire others in this area," says Russell K. Portenoy, M.D., chairman of the department. The DPMPC was chosen from approximately 115 award applicants. An American Hospital Association selection committee of leaders in medicine, nursing, social work, and health administration reviewed applications and conducted site visits of the finalists.

The Circle of Life Award is sponsored by the American Hospital Association in conjunction with the American Medical Association, the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and is supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, NJ.