News - August 21, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2019

Contact: Lindsay Hutter | 703.824.1109 | lhutter@goodwinliving.org

Goodwin House Palliative Care and Hospice Physician Receives Hospice Medical Director Certification

Alexandria, VA – Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) today recognized Margaret Gloria, M.D., for receiving the Hospice Medical Director Certification (HMDC®), a renowned accomplishment achieved by only 950 physicians in the United States. Dr. Gloria serves as the Medical Director of Goodwin House Palliative Care and Hospice.

The HMDC® credential is granted by the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board and is the only certification specifically for hospice physicians. This distinguished certification is given to those who meet exceptional standards for knowledge and practice as a hospice physician, demonstrated by the passing of a rigorous 165-question exam. According to the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board, this credential exists “to provide an objective national standard for hospice physicians or physicians who provide hospice care that can be used as a measure of professional excellence by interested agencies, groups and individuals.”

With the number of Americans age 65 and older projected to double by 2060 according to the Population Reference Bureau, hospice will play a growing role in helping achieve dignity and ensuring choice for those persons facing terminal illness. Over 70 percent of deaths in the U.S. involve people age 65 and older.

“In the six months that Dr. Gloria has been part of the Goodwin House team, she has moved us enthusiastically toward a culture of exceptional care levels with her leadership skills and clinical expertise,” said Cynthia Carney, executive director of Goodwin House Palliative Care and Hospice. “It is a pleasure to work with someone who advocates so insightfully for patient choice and deeply understands family and care team collaboration.”

Dr. Gloria completed her fellowship training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, as well as Internal Medicine, at George Washington University. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Dr. Gloria proceeded a step beyond the ABIM certifications to earn the HMCD® in order to also become a Hospice Medical Director. Prior to joining GHI, Dr. Gloria served on the inpatient palliative care team at George Washington University Hospital. Goodwin House Palliative Care and Hospice provides hospice services to individuals with life-limiting illnesses in their homes in the Northern Virginia area and in the two Life Plan Communities owned and operated by GHI—Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads. Dr. Gloria, along with the entire Goodwin House Palliative Care and Hospice team of professionals, works closely with patients, family members and caregivers in creating a personalized plan of care that leads to a more comfortable, peaceful end-of-life experience for everyone involved.

“Goodwin House Palliative Care and Hospice brings unique talent and expertise to serving the needs of hospice patients and their loved ones across Northern Virginia,” stated Linda Lateana, GHI chief operating officer. “Our not-for-profit, faith-based organization has more than 50 years of experience in exclusively serving older adults and understanding their needs and desires in both life and death.”

About GHI

Celebrating 52 years of providing exceptional service to older adults, Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) is a nonprofit Virginia-based corporation affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Today, the strength of GHI begins with its clear statements of mission, vision and values, the stability and integrity of its boards and executive leadership and its reputation as a trusted partner and innovator in reimagining aging.

The growing family of GHI senior living communities and services owned and operated across Northern Virginia includes: two Life Plan Communities—Goodwin House Alexandria in Alexandria’s West End and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Fairfax County; an innovative living at home life care and services program—Goodwin House at Home; a Medicare certified Palliative Care and Hospice program available to adults throughout Northern Virginia; and the Goodwin House Small House Living and Health Care Center with progressive models of long-term care, skilled nursing and memory care. GHI also is the management agent for The Lewinsville Retirement Residences, Inc. serving low-income older adults in McLean and Great Falls, Virginia. GHI advances its mission through the Goodwin House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting foundation that provides financial support to current and future residents in need and to fund programs dedicated to promoting well-being and vibrant living as we age.