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. Sarah Stayer, MD MPH 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?
Ask me this on any given day and you will get different responses because there have been so many people helping me find my path. But one person who always springs to mind is Dr. Mary Brandt, a pediatric surgeon who left an indelible mark on my life long before I even stepped foot into medical school. One of the babies in our study didn’t make it, and I’ll never forget the sound of the mother’s grief when she found out. Dr. Brandt didn’t shy away from it, though. Instead, she showed me the importance of being there for people in their darkest moments. She reminded me that while these horrible things will happen, if we can ease that burden at all, let people know they are not alone, well, what greater gift is there? And that has always stuck with me and become part of my reason for being in this work. And while there are so many other people, I could name those who have influenced me, my parents are always going to be on my list. My mom, with her patience and inspiring love of all things nerdy, definitely shaped me into a more curious person and a much better teacher. And my dad, with his joy, impish nature, and boundary pushing, taught me to question everything, and know that life is not black and white, so we just need to embrace the gray, which is where I think much of medicine, and especially palliative care lives as a specialty. And while I might be named for this award of leadership, we are really so interconnected, and I would not be here without my people, my community, my learners, my team, my mentors, and my family.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Emerging Leader” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
It is truly an honor to be among the esteemed individuals previously selected as Emerging Leaders. Reflecting on the names of those who have been recognized before me, I am filled with admiration and respect for their accomplishments. To find myself mentioned alongside these leaders in our field is humbling, and I cannot help but wonder- “are y’all sure you meant to name me?” Nevertheless, the designation of ‘Emerging Leader’ serves as a poignant reminder that this is just the beginning of my journey. I am committed to advancing the role of palliative care within my institution and the broader community in the years to come. This award serves as validation that I am on the right path, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead to make meaningful contributions to the field.
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
My children asked me one time if I could have three superpowers, what would they be. I answered: (1) Fix the environment and global warming, (2) make the world a just place, (3) be able to eat as much cheese as I want with no bad consequences. In reflecting upon my aspirations for palliative care, I find parallels with these desires. While I may not possess the ability to magically enforce global justice, I am committed to cultivating justice and inclusivity within my immediate spheres – be it my practice, learning environments, or personal interactions. I see evidence of our field already working diligently on this path, and it is my fervent hope that we continue to embrace and expand this ethos, striving for greater equity and inclusivity in the provision of palliative care and hospice services. Perhaps, along the way, we can also incorporate more cheese snacks into our conferences.
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.