Love Hurts: Leadership, Quality, and the Future of Hospice & Palliative Care | Part Two

In Part Two of “Love Hurts: Leadership, Quality, and the Future of Hospice & Palliative Care,” leaders from the GeriPal podcast and TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, continue a thoughtful discussion on the most pressing issues facing Hospice and Palliative Care today.

The conversation explores how waste, fraud, and abuse in isolated cases can tarnish the reputation of an entire field—even when the majority of providers deliver extraordinary care.  The panel dives into the evolving landscape of ownership models, from nonprofit and faith-based organizations to private equity–backed providers, raising an important question: does ownership affect quality, or does leadership and accountability matter more?

The discussion also examines structural challenges within the healthcare system, including flawed quality reporting tools like Medicare Compare and the unintended consequences of free-market dynamics in healthcare.  With over 300 hospices sometimes operating within a single county, leaders highlight the need for transparency, meaningful quality metrics, and thoughtful regulation such as Certificate of Need laws to ensure resources are distributed responsibly and patients receive the best possible care.

Finally, the conversation pivots to leadership—arguably the most important ingredient in shaping the future of Hospice and Palliative Care.  From the principle of “go see for yourself” (gemba leadership) to the importance of servant leadership, focus, curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the panel shares powerful lessons for healthcare leaders navigating complex systems while staying grounded in mission-driven care for patients and families.

(This episode is a Top News Stories of Month February 2026)

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Show Transcript

Our Guest

Dr. Eric Widera

 Professor of Medicine and Clinician-Educator
in the Division of Geriatrics at the University of California
San Francisco (UCSF) and Co-Host of Geri-Pal Podcast

Biography

GeriPal Podcast

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Dr. Alex Smith

UCSF Faculty in the Division of Geriatrics
and Co-Host of Geri-Pal Podcast

Biography

GeriPal Podcast

Co-Host

Our Host