I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Division of Palliative Medicine in the Department of Medicine. After meeting with Dean Liang, he gave final approval to the new division earlier this week. In taking this important step, we recognize the critical contributions of Palliative Care provides to UConn Health. This inter-disciplinary team, led by Sarah LoSchiavo, DNP, APRN, nursing director of Palliative Medicine, has expanded to both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. This structural evolution is a direct response to the increase in the number of Palliative Care faculty and the soon-to-be-established fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

In addition, I am pleased to announce that Mary Buss, MD, MPH has agreed to become the inaugural Chief of the Division of Palliative Medicine. Dr. Buss is Full Professor of Medicine, double boarded in Oncology and palliative Care of who joined our Department in 2024.

Under her leadership the inpatient and outpatient Palliative Care services have dramatically expanded, and in her short tenure at UConn Health she has already successfully recruited two faculty.

The creation of this Division marks a significant milestone for our Department. It honors the specialized expertise of our Palliative Care team while strengthening the delivery of care to a particularly vulnerable population of patients. Please join me in celebrating our new Division and congratulating Dr. Buss as she takes on her new role.

Francesco S. Celi, MD, MHSc.
Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine
James E.C. Walker Endowed Chair
UConn Health