As the Medical Director for In-House Hospice & Palliative Care, Patricia Schmidt brings a wealth of understanding and compassion to caring for the organization's patients and their families. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Schmidt is well-versed on the challenges facing the health care industry, yet is also adept at creating solutions to those challenges.
Dually board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine and internal medicine, Schmidt strives to integrate hospice care with effective health services delivery and compassionate patient care in every aspect of her practice. As a leader, Schmidt strongly advocates for the value of every team member and each discipline in caring for hospice patients.
Schmidt began her health care career as a practicing physician at Hamtramck Health Center, a faculty-resident clinic of internal medicine at Horizon Health Systems. She advanced as a supervising physician in teaching practices at Mt. Clemens General and Garden City Hospitals in the 1990s. In 2002, she joined the Visiting Nurses Association-Hospice of Southeast Michigan before coming on board at In-House Hospice & Palliative Care in 2005.
Schmidt is a noted and sought-after speaker on the issues of hospice care. She was invited to speak on the issues related to pain and end-of-life symptom management at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care's Hospice Medical Director Course in 2009, as well as statewide programs that included members of: the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; the Health Care Association of Michigan; Michigan Assisted Living Association; National Association Directors of Nursing Administration: Michigan Association for Homes and Services for the Aged; and Michigan's Quality Improvement Organization, among others. Schmidt has also spoken to executives at Right Management, a subsidiary of Manpower, Inc., on health, self-care and well-being.
In recognition of her work, Schmidt has been honored with numerous awards including the Dream Team Physician of the Year in 2008 by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; Educator of the Year in 2007, by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; and the Judith K. Weiswasser Award for Outstanding Woman Graduate from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1987.
Schmidt earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University in 1987. She also received a faculty development and clinician educator master teacher certificate from MSUCOM-COGMET, in the areas of evidence-based medicine. Additionally, she is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
In-House Hospice & Palliative Care is one of the leading hospice providers in Michigan and Ohio serving nearly 500 patients every day. In-House Hospice & Palliative Care's mission is to provide the highest level of quality care to its patients and was selected by The Detroit Free Press as one of the Top Work Places of 2008 & 2009 for its management team and its commitment to providing one of the best working environments in the state. Headquartered in Bingham Farms, Michigan, it has experienced double-digit growth over the last 12 years and serves patients and their families in more than 44 counties in Michigan and Ohio.
