AAHPM reached out to the 2024 Emerging Leaders to gain insight into what motivated them to pursue leadership positions and what they find more fulfilling in their experiences. Dustin Dillon, MD FAAP HMDC has been recognized as one of the exceptional individuals chosen as a 2024 AAHPM Emerging Leader in Hospice and Palliative Care.
Who has most influenced your work and how have they shaped your contributions?
Professionally, Dr. Bethany Snider has been a wonderful support for me and has pushed me to think about how to improve the care we provide. She has always said “put the patient and family first” and she lives this every day. Even more importantly was my sister, Angel. She died of metastatic breast cancer at the age of 44 a few years back. Through living on the side of the family, I was able to see what our families go through and better understand what our patients and families need. Every time I am guiding our team or thinking about what we can do better, I always have her on my mind.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Emerging Leader” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
For me this recognition is more about the team I work with and all the hard work they have put in to help make sure our most vulnerable and sick patients and families get what they need. I would not be in the position I am in without an amazing group of people that I get work with every day.
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
I want to make sure that no matter where a patient lives, their socioeconomic status, their history of disease process that each person and family has access to high quality palliative care to ensure we enhance the quality of life for all.
Learn more about the AAHPM 2024 Emerging Leaders in Hospice and Palliative Care and view a full list of all current and past Emerging Leaders.