AAHPM reached out to the 2024 Visionaries to gain insight into what motivated them to pursue leadership positions and what they find more fulfilling in their experiences. Jenni Linebarger, MD MPH FAAP FAAHPM has been recognized as one of the exceptional individuals chosen as a 2024 AAHPM Visionaries in Hospice and Palliative Care
Who has most influenced your work and how have they shaped your contributions?
While the list of my ‘professional influencers’ is long, ranging from the youngest patients to my teammates to the founders of the field, I want to shine the spotlight on my ‘friendtors’*. My friendtors (a.k.a. the Spicy Peppers) include others who had their first job running a pediatric palliative care team and/or making major change within a large institution. The Spicy Peppers understand my professional day-to-day in a way that helps me feel less alone. The support of the Spicy Peppers creates a safe space to think through shared challenges, reflect on the work we do, and not take ourselves too seriously. *In case this term is new to you, fear not! I just learned it at the 2023 AAHPM Annual Assembly. A friendtor is a “peer with whom you share interests, enjoy personal connection, and intentionally support each other’s career development”.
What is the significance to you of being recognized as a “Visionary” in Hospice and Palliative Medicine?
The nomination email caught me by surprise and the idea of a committee agreeing with the nominator felt far-fetched. So, the formal recognition really stopped me in my tracks. What an honor. As I’ve reflected on being named a Visionary in HPM, I keep coming back to the importance of being a human with a human. We are trained in HPM to build connections, help define and align goals, and keep a big picture in mind. Let’s keep applying the same skills to make an impact within organizations.
What is your aspiration for the evolution of hospice and Palliative Medicine?
So many thoughts are pinging around in my mind! My BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) for HPM is to make palliative care concepts familiar to everyone while continuously improving the care HPM specialists provide.
Learn more about the AAHPM 2024 Visionaries in Hospice and Palliative Care and view a full list of all current and past Visionaries.