Sep. 28, 2026

WellMed physicians recognized as authors and editor of new palliative care resource

WellMed is proud to congratulate several of our physicians for their contributions to Essentials 1: Medical Care of People with Serious Illness, the newest edition of a foundational resource published by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).

Leading the project as an author and editor is Elizabeth Glazier, MD, MPH, FACP, FAAHPM, of San Antonio. Joining Dr. Glazier as contributing authors are:

• Leigh Fredholm, MD, FAAHPM – Georgetown, Texas
• Sally Kelley, MD, HMDC – Harlingen, Texas
• Sandra Liliana Oakes, MD, AGSF, AAFPF – San Antonio, Texas
• Ronald D. Stephens, MD – Corpus Christi, Texas

Their contributions reflect WellMed’s commitment to advancing clinical excellence, education and patient-centered care for individuals living with serious illness.

A foundational resource for serious illness care

Essentials 1: Medical Care of People with Serious Illness is part of AAHPM’s respected Essential Practices in Hospice and Palliative Medicine series, a comprehensive collection of educational resources designed to support clinicians across the continuum of serious illness care.

The book serves as a practical, evidence-based guide that translates national palliative care standards into actionable strategies for clinical practice.

Advancing the future of palliative care

Through their leadership and expertise, Drs. Glazier, Fredholm, Kelley, Oakes, and Stephens have helped create a trusted educational resource that will support health care professionals nationwide. Their work reinforces the critical role of hospice and palliative medicine in improving quality of life for patients with serious illness and ensuring care aligns with patients’ goals, values and preferences.

This achievement represents not only individual professional excellence but also WellMed’s ongoing dedication to compassionate, innovative and high-quality care.

Congratulations to these outstanding WellMed physician leaders on the publication of this resource and their significant contribution to advancing hospice and palliative medicine.