Ask an Expert

The HospiceDirectory.org experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience on end-of-life care and treatment. They have been pioneers in advancing the hospice concept of care in which individuals can die free of pain and with dignity. Each of our experts will do their best to answer all questions in a timely manner. If you require an immediate response about a medical issue you should contact your physician. All other immediate questions can be directed to a hospice in your community. You can search for a hospice nearest you in HospiceDirectory.org.

Questions dealing with hospice related medical issues:

William Lamers, M.D.
Psychiatrist, Co-Founder, Hospice of Marin (first licensed hospice in the United States); Member and Former Chair, International Workgroup on Death Dying and Bereavement; Author of numerous books and papers on subjects in the fields of medicine, psychiatry and hospice care; recipient of the National Hospice Organization’s Founder’s Award; Medical Consultant, Hospice Foundation of America.

Questions dealing with hospice regulations, interdisciplinary team activities and operational issues:

JoAnne Reifsnyder, Ph.D., RN, AOCN.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Psychosocial Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; Partner, Ethos Consulting Group, (Hospice and Health Care Consultants). Reifsnyder has had more than 20 years of experience in palliative and end-of-life care, program development and administration, education and research/evaluation.

Sheila Jacob, RN
Vice President Clinical Services, San Diego Hospice Corporation; hospice consultant (Brennan Jacob & Associates); member of American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Experience in regulatory and accreditation aspects of hospice and experienced trainer.

Questions dealing with spiritual/bereavement issues:

Kenneth Doka, Ph.D., MDiv.
Professor of Gerontology, College of New Rochelle; Ordained Lutheran Minister; Past President, Association for Death Education and Counseling; Former Chair, International Workgroup on Death Dying and Bereavement; Editor, Omega: The Journal of Death and Dying and Journeys (bereavement newsletter); Bereavement Consultant, Hospice Foundation of America.

Please note:  all fields are required.