Press Releases
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Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Welcomes Dr. Joseph Alessandro as it's newest Medical Director |
March 23, 20099 - Hospice Southeastern Connecticut recently welcomed Joseph Alessandro, D.O. as its newest medical director. Dr. Alessandro is board certified by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), and has been a practicing physician for 12 years. Prior to caring for hospice and palliative patients, Dr. Alessandro was a family practice physician, and established Brooklyn Family Medicine in Brooklyn, CT.
“I was drawn to hospice work because of its unique approach to caring for patients and their families during times of need,” said Dr. Alessandro. “When faced with terminal illness, hospice and palliative care advocates for a patient’s quality of life. We’re here to help patients fulfill their final wishes, be it controlling pain or attending a loved one’s special occasion. In the end, small things can make a huge difference.”
Dr. Alessandro is one of only 3,600 physicians nationwide, and one of only 24 statewide to be board certified by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Certification by the AAHPM is sought and earned by physicians on a voluntary basis, and is widely recognized by the government, health care systems, insurers, and patients themselves, as an essential tool to judge that a physician has the knowledge, experience and skills for providing quality hospice and palliative care.
Dr. Alessandro graduated with his undergraduate degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Peninsula Hospital Center in Rockaway, NY. Dr. Alessandro is board certified by the following medical professional organizations: diplomate, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians; member, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians; American Osteopathic Association; American Medical Directors Association; and Certificate of added qualifications in Geriatrics.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, management and staff, we are proud to welcome Dr. Joseph Alessandro as our newest medical director,” said Carol Mahier, MSN, executive director of Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. “Dr. Alessandro’s warm personality, leadership skills and medical expertise further strengthen the quality of care our team delivers to patients and their families.” Dr. Alessandro joins Dr. K. Jagathambal and Dr. Michael Feltes as Medical Directors for Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.
A philosophy of care
When people learn they have a limited life expectancy, what to do and where to turn become overwhelming decisions. At a time when the world seems upside down, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut steps in and wraps patients and families in a circle of care. Patients receive care in their own homes or a setting of choice surrounded by loved ones. Hope and comfort replace fear and anxiety. Hospice care is about patients and families achieving goals, having choices and living well.
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut was established in 1985 with the mission to help patients facing terminal illness live as fully, informed and educated as possible. Since then, the program has cared for over 6,500 patients. As experts in pain and symptom control, hospice nurses work closely with the medical director to keep patients pain free and alert. Equally important, the interdisciplinary group nurtures and supports the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families. Hospice Southeastern Connecticut provides bereavement support without cost to the entire community as well as to patients’ families.
Hospice Southeastern Connecticut is an affiliate of The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich and the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, Connecticut. The program is certified by Medicare, and is licensed by the State of Connecticut and Department of Health Services as a hospice home health agency. Hospice Southeastern Connecticut is also accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), the leading accrediting agency for homecare agencies.
