Sciullo became the sixth Galen Miller honoree in the nine years since the establishment of the award by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

(Alexandria, VA) – Empath Health’s CEO Rafael J. Sciullo was honored with the Galen Miller Leadership Award during NHPCO’s 2022 Leadership and Advocacy Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Sciullo’s legacy of leadership and innovation in the field of hospice and palliative care won him this maximum recognition.

The Galen Miller Leadership Award was created in 2014 to honor the memory of Dr. Galen Miller, who served as NHPCO Executive Vice President for 12 years and previously served seven years as Vice President and Director of Professional Development, Research, and External Relations. This award recognizes a champion and advocate from the field who has demonstrated the highest levels of dedication and passion for the hospice and palliative care community and the patients and families that receive care. While some NHPCO awards are presented annually, the Galen Miller Leadership Award is presented on a select basis. Rafael Sciullo became the sixth Galen Miller honoree in the nine years since the creation of the award.

“There is no more important job humans can do for one another than caring for patients at the end of life,” Sciullo said. “As I begin my journey to conclude the career I have dedicated my life’s work to, it is humbling—and I feel deeply honored to receive this award created in memory of Dr. Galen Miller, who I esteemed and considered a friend.”

Sciullo is a longstanding leader in the hospice community. He currently serves as CEO of Empath Health, a role he assumed in 2013—and recently finalized the merger of Empath Health and Stratum Health System. Sciullo joined Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health, as president and CEO in 2013, and in 2014, launched Empath Health, an integrated network of care. Since he became the organization’s leader, he expanded its home health program, oversaw the expansion of its HIV/STI and senior care services, and developed new partnerships with other health care and community organizations. Before his tenure at Empath Health in Florida, Sciullo was president and CEO of Family Hospice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Throughout his career, Sciullo has emphasized patient and family care. He believes in staying close to patients and families to know firsthand what’s important to them and understand their needs. He stresses the significance of focusing on patients and families with his staff and the broader hospice community.

He is widely seen as a leader within the hospice community. Sciullo has served as both a Board Member and Board Chair of NHPCO and currently serves as a Board Member for NHPCO’s advocacy affiliate, the Hospice Action Network (HAN). Additionally, Sciullo received NHPCO’s Founder Award in 2004.

“For many years, professionals throughout our field have learned from Rafael Sciullo with regards to organizational excellence, quality of care, the value of the interdisciplinary team in providing person-centered care, and the importance of our community speaking with one voice on legislative and policy issues that affect patient care,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach. “His insight and expertise are unparalleled, and his willingness to share with others for the benefit of all have made a tremendous contribution to the provider community. Not only is he recognized for his attention to detail and fiscal responsibility, but he has always put people at the center of care and been a passionate advocate for the patient and family.”

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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. We were created in 2021 through the merger of two leading nonprofit, integrated networks of care: Empath Health, serving the Tampa Bay region and Stratum Health System, serving Southwest Florida. 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; and physician services. Empath Health serves more than 12,000 people a day, creating a bridge between chronic, advanced and terminal care and providing seamless integration based on individual needs. Collectively, we have nearly 90 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.

About NHPCO
As the leading organization representing integrated, person-centered healthcare, NHPCO gives ongoing inspiration, practical guidance, and legislative representation to hospice and palliative care providers so they can enrich experiences for patients and ease caregiving responsibilities and emotional stress for families. Visit www.nhpco.org.