Wendy Schmitz, MD, HMD, FAAHPM, of Dayton, Ohio, recently earned the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM). The academy is the professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine.

Dr. Schmitz is vice president of Medical Care/medical director at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio. She received her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine at Kettering Medical Center. Following residency, she joined South Dayton Acute Care Consultants as a hospitalist for 10 years before coming to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. She has been with Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton for 12 years. 

“This is a prestigious honor for Dr. Schmitz to be designated a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine,” said Chirag Patel, MD, FAAHPM, chief medical officer at Ohio’s Hospice. “She is well-deserving of this designation. At Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, she has been a pioneer in the use of the Macy catheter and PleurX™ catheters. For 12 years, she has brought a servant’s heart and care to the patients and families she serves.” 

Dr. Schmitz will celebrate the designation virtually at the Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care on February 17-19, 2021. She will be joined by colleagues working in the field of hospice and palliative care. 

FAAHPM status is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a physician member. Dr. Schmitz has demonstrated a significant commitment to the field of hospice and palliative medicine. Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton celebrates her achievement. 

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is the only national medical specialty society for hospice and palliative medicine. Since 1988, AAHPM has supported hospice and palliative medicine through professional education and training, development of a specialist workforce, support for clinical practice standards, research, and advocacy.  AAHPM’s membership includes more than 5,200 physicians and other healthcare professionals committed to improving the care of patients with serious illness. Learn more at www.aahpm.org or visit the patient website, www.PalliativeDoctors.org. Follow AAHPM on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice, is a not-for-profit hospice provider. Since 1978, it has served patients and families in the Dayton region in their homes, extended care and assisted living facilities, and the Hospice House location in Dayton. Grief support services are available to the entire community through the Pathways of Hope Grief Counseling Center. Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton serves more than 1,000 patients and families daily, achieving national recognition for innovative services and outstanding care.