Jennifer Gabbard, MD, associate professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine, has been selected to receive the 2025 Early Career Investigator Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).
The AAHPM Early Career Investigator Award recognizes a member of the organization who is developing as a research leader while showing promise of making contributions to the development of a scientific foundation for practice and research, conducting or facilitating research by others that advances the field of hospice and palliative medicine and contributes to the AAHPM community at large.
Gabbard received this award for her outstanding contributions to hospice and palliative medicine research, particularly in supporting high-quality, evidence-based care for seriously ill patients. She has led efforts to develop innovative care models, foster multidisciplinary research and mentor emerging palliative scientists.
Her research has focused on improving care for older adults, including those with cognitive impairments and frailty, by implementing and evaluating non-pharmacological interventions to enhance quality of life and advance care planning. Her work has contributed to 20 grants and her telehealth-based initiatives have significantly advanced care for dementia patients.