Chief Mission Medical Affairs Officer Dr. Neville Sarkari, MD, MBA, FACP

(Clearwater) Empath Health is pleased to announce Chief Mission Medical Affairs Officer Dr. Neville Sarkari, MD, MBA, FACP, recently earned the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM). This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member. The academy is the professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine, nurses and other healthcare providers. Empath Health is a full life care provider serving north central, west central and southwest Florida.

Dr. Sarkari will receive the designation during the closing plenary session at the Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care in Montreal, Canada, on Saturday March 25, 2023, joined by colleagues working in the field of hospice and palliative care.

“Hospice and palliative care form the foundation of the full life care we are privileged to provide,” said Rafael J. Sciullo, Empath CEO. “Dr. Sarkari’s knowledge and experience guide our efforts.”

Said Empath President Jonathan Fleece, “Empath Health is proud to have Dr. Sarkari representing our organization in this prestigious professional academy. His steady leadership and expertise are key contributors to our world-class reputation.”

As Empath Health’s Chief Mission Medical Affairs Officer, Sarkari is responsible for establishing a progressive vision and strategic direction focusing on patient, family and client satisfaction as well as creating quality, safety and patient experience for all medical programs. Dr. Sarkari was Executive Vice President/Chief Medical Officer of Tidewell Hospice, a member of Empath Health. Previously Dr. Sarkari served as Senior Vice President, Medical Services and Senior Vice President, Operations/Interim COO at Covenant Hospice in Florida’s Panhandle. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He is board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine and has been elected a Fellow in the American College of Physicians.

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About the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is the professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM), as well as nurses, PAs, social workers, and other health and spiritual care practitioners committed to improving quality of life for seriously ill patients and their families. For more than 30 years, AAHPM has been dedicated to expanding access to high quality palliative care, and advancing the discipline of HPM, through professional education and training, development of a specialist workforce, support for clinical practice standards, research and public policy. AAHPM is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors and managed by a full-time staff along with additional, support provided by Association Management Center (AMC) based in Chicago, IL.

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About Empath Health
Empath Health is the country’s largest not-for-profit health system delivering non-acute care and services through its skilled, medical and holistic programs to individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses and those experiencing grief. The Empath Health integrated network of care provides expert medical, counseling and support services including hospice; home health; palliative care; grief services; all-inclusive elder care; HIV/STI prevention services and support; primary care; physician services; and full-service pharmacy and durable medical equipment (DME). Empath Health is honored to have more than 22,000 people enrolled in our Full Life Care services in north central, west central and southwest Florida. We have nearly 90 combined years of experience serving individuals during some of their most vulnerable times. Our wide variety of community-based programs reflects our commitment to the preservation of our charitable mission.