SVHC Physician and Hospice Medical Director Earns Two Acclaimed Recognitions

April 4, 2011 - PRLog -- BENNINGTON —  Dr. Nancy A. Schuster, medical director for both the hospitalist program at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) and the for the VNA & Hospice of SVHC, has earned two acclaimed recognitions within the past three months. She is now certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and recently earned the designation of Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM).

To become board certified in hospice and palliative medicine, a physician must complete rigorous training and exhibit strong knowledge of hospice and palliative care, care that is intended to improve the quality of life for people with a diagnosed terminal illness.

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) awards the Fellow in Hospital Medicine designation after a physician meets strict requirements, including “demonstration of their dedication to quality and process improvement, commitment to organizational teamwork and leadership, as well as lifelong learning and education. Becoming a Fellow is a special recognition for SHM members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues.”

Schuster, who is also certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and who holds a master of business administration (MBA) from the University of Tennessee, joined SVMC in 2004. She earned her medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and completed her residency at the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine.

“As a physician,” said Schuster, “it’s important to me to continue my education so I can better serve my patients, bringing them the latest innovations in medical care. I love working in inpatient care and with our hospice patients. I feel these are two areas where I can focus and make the largest positive impact for our community.”

SVMC began its hospitalist program in 2001. A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients in the hospital. They are trained to diagnose and treat disease in adults and children and they partner with your primary care doctor when you are hospitalized.

The VNA & Hospice of SVHC offers a skilled hospice team consisting of Schuster, additional physicians, nurses, nurse’s aides, social workers, a chaplain, volunteers and therapists. They provide a full range of nursing, medical, spiritual and support services to clients and their families, wherever the client resides. Their assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, call (802) 442-5502.

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About SVMC and the VNA & Hospice of SVHC: SVMC is Vermont’s first Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence. The VNA & Hospice of SVHC is a not-for-profit organization that makes more than 30,000 home visits each year to residents of Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford. Both are a part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care, an integrated health system with a vision to make the communities it serves the healthiest in the nation. To learn more about SVHC, visit www.svhealthcare.org.