Kamal Receives 2015 AAHPM’s Inspirational Leaders Award

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) has named Arif Kamal, MD, a 2015 Inspirational Leader In Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

“Through innovation, education, mentoring and clinical care, LeBlanc and others are enhancing care for seriously ill patients and their families,” said academy president Jean S. Kutner, MD, MSPH, FAAHPPM.

Kamal was selected from up to 5,000 possible member nominees. He was recognized for his innovation in and dedication to the medical specialty of hospice and palliative medicine and AAHPM.

“Recognition by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine as an Inspirational Leader Under 40 is an enormous honor,” Kamal said. “Palliative medicine is a growing field, with a building scientific evidence base and rapid integration into usual care delivery across all serious cancers. I am fortunate to join a dynamic group of forward-thinkers in the field, who will solve the yet-unanswered questions in the discipline. There are four recipients of this recognition from Duke, the largest cohort from any organization on the list. This is truly the reflection of a great set of visionary leaders and a supportive organization at Duke. The future of Duke Palliative Care is bright, paralleling the enormous potential in the field across the country.”

Kamal is a medical oncologist and a palliative medicine specialist. His research focuses on improving the quality of care for patients who receive cancer care, supportive care services and palliative care. In August 2014 Kamal received the Sojourns Award from the Cambial Health Foundation as well as the Innovator Award from the Association of Community Cancer Centers.

“The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine is dedicated to expanding access to high quality palliative care, advancing the discipline of hospice and palliative medicine through professional education and training, the development of a specialist workforces, support for clinical practice standards and research and public policy,” Kamal added. “I am privileged to join inspirational colleagues and a world leader in palliative care in Duke University in receiving this recognition.”

For more information on the AAHPM Hospice and Palliative Medicine Inspirational Leaders Under 40, visit aahpm.org. To learn more about Kamal’s clinical and research interests, visit Arif Kamal, MD.