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. Vishal Kapadia, DO 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?
I am grateful for the support and influence of many people who have helped me throughout my journey. I particularly want to thank Lindy Landzaat for accepting me into her fellowship program and believing in my potential, Christian Sinclair for mentoring me and encouraging me to seek out mentorship, Rab Razzak for guiding me through academic palliative care, and Jill Schwartz-Chevlin, Katrina Booth, Jeanettee Boohene, Mindy Stewart-Coffee, and Alan Chiu for providing me with the tools and environment to grow as a leader in home-based medical care. I am also thankful to the palliative care team at UT Southwestern and my current teams at Landmark Health for their guidance in launching projects that have helped me grow as a leader. The Texas Consortium of Hospice and Palliative Medicine members have also been instrumental in my growth as a leader, and I am grateful for their support and mentorship. Finally, my family has been a constant source of support throughout my journey. These individuals have been leaders, and I have learned much from them. Although there are many more people I would like to thank, I am limited by space in this survey.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Emerging Leader” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
This award and my colleagues who also won this award are extremely grateful and honored. This recognition means a lot to us and brings to light our exceptional work. Sometimes, in both academic and private sector settings, we feel that our efforts go unnoticed. However, this award helps us understand the true value of our work and its impact on our field and patients. It also encourages us to continue collaborating and growing together. Winning this award is a big personal and professional achievement, and I greatly appreciate it.
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
Home-based medical care, which was once considered the future of healthcare, is now a reality. However, many of us in hospice and palliative medicine lack experience in this area of care. This sector is expanding rapidly, providing opportunities for growth, education, and career advancement in our field. My hope is that we can bridge the gap between hospice and palliative care and home-based medical care. I also aim to eliminate obstacles and foster relationships between hospice and palliative care programs, as we did with the Texas Consortium of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. I aspire to find ways for people to connect, learn from each other, and grow beyond the confines of a single institution or program.
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.