Compassus Hospice Network Adds to Executive Team

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (February 16, 2017)—Compassus, a nationwide network of community-based hospice, palliative and home health programs, announced the addition of Kurt Merkelz, M.D., to the organization’s executive team as senior vice president and chief medical officer.

Dr. Merkelz has been a part of Compassus since 2010, previously serving as medical director of the program in Houston, Texas. In his new role, he will lead the company’s quality and clinical initiatives, ensuring the delivery of quality patient outcomes and increased access to end-of-life care in the more than 150 communities Compassus serves across the country.

“At Compassus, we are proud to be a physician-driven and patient-focused organization,” said James Deal, chief executive officer of Compassus. “Dr. Merkelz brings invaluable knowledge and expertise to this leadership role, and I am confident his work will continue our quest as a world-changing organization for the patients and families we serve.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Merkelz has focused on caring for older adults. His perseverance in raising industry benchmarks for quality hospice care earned him the R. Sean Morrison, M.D., Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hospice Physician Leadership.

“The progression of my career towards end-of-life care has always been centered on helping those who need it the most,” said Dr. Merkelz. “Nothing is more rewarding than serving others, and in this role, it is my priority to ensure our patients and their families continue to receive the highest quality of care that improves their quality of life.”

Dr. Merkelz received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed residencies in family medicine and geriatric medicine at the University of Cincinnati. Following his residency at the University of Cincinnati, he became assistant director of the international health program.

Dr. Merkelz is triple-board certified in hospice and palliative care medicine, family practice and geriatrics.

Visit compassus.com for more information.