Cambia health foundation announces 10 new sojourns scholars to advance palliative care

Elite group of physicians and nurses demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to expanding palliative care

The Cambia Health Foundation has announced the acceptance of 10 new physicians and nurses into the Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program, the Foundation’s signature program to develop emerging palliative care leaders. With this new cohort, Cambia has now committed $7.2 million to cultivate 40 Sojourns Scholars from across the country who are working to advance palliative care.

The Sojourns Scholar program addresses a critical workforce development need and supports access to palliative care services. According to a 2016 report in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, “One-third of U.S. hospitals report no palliative care services of any kind, and access to palliative care in community settings (home, nursing home, assisted living) is limited for people who are not hospice-eligible. As a result, most people with serious illness are unlikely to receive the care they need throughout their course of illness.” Addressing these issues requires leadership, and by creating the Sojourns program, the Foundation has taken an active role in shaping the future.

The Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program is an initiative designed to identify, cultivate and advance the next generation of palliative care leaders. The new cohort was chosen following a rigorous selection process centered on their commitment to advancing the field of palliative care. Each scholar receives a two-year, $180,000 grant to support research, clinical, educational or policy projects. Scholars also receive one-to-one mentoring support and leadership training.

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