Niagara Hospice assistant medical director Dr. Sarina E. Bax-DeBiaso recently became Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. She received her certification last November and is one of only twenty-five surgeons nationally certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Hospice and palliative medicine is a relatively new subspecialty, indicating increased attention to end of life care that is needed in our current medical system. Dr. Bax-DeBiaso said that obtaining certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine has been a goal of hers since she began working with Niagara Hospice in September 2006. She said: "Through continued educational development and a personal and professional strive for excellence, we at Niagara Hospice will continue attempts to provide our best care to patients and their families during a very critical and often distressing time."

Information about the certification can be found on the American Board of Surgery website at www.absurgery.org from the Specialties tab. Select Hospice & Palliative Medicine Overview for details.

Niagara Hospice provides physical, emotional, spiritual, and bereavement services to those facing life's final journey. Last year, Niagara Hospice cared for over 900 families faced with end-of-life situations and has cared for over 15,000 individuals since 1988. No one is ever denied hospice care due to ability to pay. The Niagara Hospice Alliance raises funds to offset costs for individuals who are under or uninsured. For more information visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call Niagara Hospice at 439-4417.