Fraser-Parker Foundation funding Palliative Care Research Program

Faculty from the Emory Palliative Care Center (which encompasses Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) have been awarded $500,000 by the Fraser-Parker Foundation to build a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to expand the pipeline of investigators in serious illness and palliative care research. This novel initiative will offer research training opportunities to individuals across the career trajectory, from postdoctoral trainees to existing early- and mid-career faculty.

The Fraser-Parker Foundation gift will support two interrelated programs. First, a two-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program will support doctorally-prepared candidates with intensive mentorship and a personalized career development plan to develop the skills necessary for academic research careers. Second, as a way to engage existing Emory faculty in scientific investigation, a Faculty Scholars Program will offer competitive pilot funding alongside individualized training and mentorship in specific research methodology. These two programs, in concert, will draw new talent to the field of palliative care research, while also providing research opportunities to enhance the careers of mid-career faculty.

The Palliative Care Science @ Emory Leadership Team consists of Dr. Tammie Quest (Director, Emory Palliative Care Center; Chief, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine), Dr. Dio Kavalieratos (Associate Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine; Director of Research and Quality, Emory Palliative Care Center), and Dr. Khaliah Johnson (Interim Chief, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics).

“Together we will innovate and improve the lives and care experiences of patients and families across the age continuum living with serious illness by building on the science in palliative care through the development and support of the most talented researchers in our field.” – Tammie Quest, MD; Professor, Montgomery Chair in Palliative Medicine

“Despite the growth of the field of palliative care in the last twenty years, myriad clinical, policy, and research questions remain unanswered regarding how to optimally care for those affected by serious illness. This incredibly generous gift from the Fraser-Parker Foundation allows us to ensure that these gaps in the evidence are addressed by way of investing in the next generation of palliative care scientists. Furthermore, this initiative exemplifies the incredible opportunities for collaboration and shared growth between Emory and Children’s, and serves as a testament to the exciting work we can accomplish together.”  – Dio Kavalieratos, PhD; Associate Professor and Director of Research and Quality, Emory Palliative Care Center

“This is a really exciting time for palliative care at Children’s and Emory. As the pediatric group establishes itself as the newest division within the Department of Pediatrics, we look forward to taking our meaningful academic pursuits to the next level with enhanced research support and capacity. Hand in hand with palliative care at Emory, we are poised to lead new frontiers nationally in the field of hospice and palliative medicine.”  – Khaliah Johnson, MD; Interim Chief, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta