Scripps Hospice Physician Holly Yang, MD, Named to National Leaders List

Note to Patients: The following news is posted for archival purposes only. Scripps is no longer accepting new patients for hospice care.

Dr. Yang selected among most inspirational leaders under age 40

PR Hospice Award Holly Yang 600×375

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) has named Holly Yang, MD, of Scripps Health to its national list of inspirational leaders in hospice and palliative medicine under the age of 40.


AAHPM asked its 5,000 members to nominate individuals who are the young leaders in the field. Nominees were evaluated on educating others about hospice and palliative medicine, mentoring of students and residents, participation in charitable work and involvement in AAHPM. Leaders on the list will be recognized at the annual assembly of AAHPM and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Feb. 25 through Feb. 28 in Philadelphia.


A resident of La Jolla, Dr. Yang is a hospice and palliative medicine specialist with Scripps Health. She earned her medical degree from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and is trained in internal medicine and hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Yang serves on the boards of directors of the San Diego County Medical Society and the AAHPM. She is also co-director of a joint hospice and palliative medicine fellowship program offered as a partnership between Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health System.

Leaders in hospice care

Scripps began offering hospice services in February 2013 in response to the closure of San Diego Hospice. Since then, Scripps Hospice has become one of the largest providers of hospice services in the San Diego region. Scripps Hospice builds on a foundation of experience developed through Scripps home health and palliative care services. Scripps has been offering home health services for more than 25 years, providing tens of thousands of patient visits annually. Scripps’ highly regarded palliative care program provides pain management, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual care to patients facing life-limiting illness.

Understanding the specialty

Hospice and palliative medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on improving quality of life and relieving pain and other symptoms in seriously ill patients. Palliative care is provided by a specially trained team, which includes doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together to provide patients and families with extra support. It is for patients of any age and any stage in a serious illness and can be provided in addition to curative treatment. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for patients whose life expectancy is likely to be six months or less (or in some cases, a year or less). Hospice and palliative care also helps patients and families understand their treatment options and provides psychosocial services and support for family and caregivers, including grief counseling.


The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is the professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine. AAHPM’s 5,000 members also include nurses and other health care providers who are committed to improving the quality of life for seriously ill patients and their families.


Learn more about Scripps Health , a nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego, Calif.

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