Elea Institute Expands Board of Directors
Elea Institute is pleased to announce the expansion of its Board of Directors with the addition of Dr. Kristofer L. Smith, MD, MPP. Dr. Smith brings a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, and deep expertise in home and community-based healthcare to this new role.
"Throughout my career, both as a practicing physician and as an executive leading home and community-based healthcare organizations, I've had the privilege of supporting patients, families, and caregivers alike."
— Dr. Kristofer L. Smith, MD, MPP
Dr. Smith's early experience in hospice and palliative care demonstrated "the profound difference specialized care can make, particularly when brought to the patient's home." This firsthand knowledge of what quality end-of-life care looks like—and what it means to those receiving it—shapes his vision for the field.
A Vision for the Future of Hospice and Palliative Care
Dr. Smith outlined three key priorities for his work with Elea Institute: expanding access, improving equity, and integrating hospice care more seamlessly into overall healthcare services. He believes that hospice and palliative care should be a cornerstone of how we approach serious illness and end-of-life care—not merely an add-on to the healthcare system.
"I believe hospice and palliative care should be a cornerstone of how we approach serious illness and end-of-life care, not merely an add-on to the healthcare system."
— Dr. Kristofer L. Smith, MD, MPP
Dr. Smith expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Elea Institute's team on partnership initiatives to create improved hospice service blueprints, ensuring that "the hospice benefit evolves to meet the needs of today and tomorrow."
About Elea Institute
Elea Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality hospice and palliative care through grant funding, research support, and educational initiatives.