Kimberly Curseen takes over as president of AAHPM

Dr. Kimberly A. Curseen, a palliative care and geriatrics leader at Emory, has become president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Her new role adds to a broad portfolio across Emory, Georgia health coalitions and national workforce and equity efforts.

Why it matters: - Dr. Kimberly A. Curseen now leads the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, a role that puts her at the center of national hospice and palliative care priorities. - Her agenda includes expanding access to interdisciplinary care, developing future healthcare leaders and advancing equity for patients and families. - Her appointment also reflects the growing influence of palliative care leaders in health systems, medical education and policy.

What happened: - Dr. Kimberly A. Curseen, MD, FAAHPM, is the current president of the American Academy of Hospice Medicine. - The announcement highlights Curseen as a national leader in palliative care and geriatrics with nearly two decades of clinical experience. - Curseen holds a professor role at Emory University School of Medicine with appointments in Family and Preventive Medicine and Medicine. - Curseen also serves in multiple leadership positions at Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute.

The details: - Curseen serves as Operations Lead for Emory Healthcare Palliative Care. - Curseen is Site Director for the Emory Supportive Care Ambulatory Clinic. - Curseen is Director of Winship Cancer Institute Palliative Care. - Curseen serves as Physician Director for Cancer Service Line Navigation and Support. - In her AAHPM remarks, Curseen said she looks forward to expanding high-quality hospice and palliative care, supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders and championing healthcare equity. - Curseen previously served AAHPM as Chair-Elect, Secretary, Governance Committee Chair and a member of the Public Policy Committee. - Curseen founded the academy’s Outpatient Palliative Care Interest Group. - Curseen also worked with AAHPM on the Next Generation Scholars Program. - Curseen serves as a board member for the Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. - Curseen is Co-Chair of the Georgia POLST Committee. - Curseen is Co-Chair of the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium’s Palliative Care Working Group. - Curseen has also served as an educational partner with LeadingAge Georgia. - Curseen was named Director of the Georgia Geriatric Education and Training Alliance Grant supported by HRSA.

Between the lines: - Curseen’s portfolio shows a focus on building care models that reach beyond academic medicine into outpatient, community and statewide systems. - Her mix of clinical leadership, policy work and training programs suggests AAHPM wants to pair operational experience with workforce development. - The recognition from Influential Women places Curseen in a broader platform aimed at amplifying women leaders and their work. - Influential Women says the platform helps women connect, share perspectives and create content that empowers themselves and others.

What's next: - Curseen is expected to use the AAHPM presidency to push access, education and equity priorities across hospice and palliative care. - Her Emory and Georgia leadership roles likely continue alongside the national association post. - Readers can learn more through Kimberly Curseen’s Influential Women profile.

The bottom line: - Kimberly Curseen’s new AAHPM presidency formalizes her role as a national voice for palliative care, health equity and clinician development.