In December 1997, Dr. Michael Paletta was ready for a change. He'd been with Henry Ford Health System for eight years, serving as director of geriatric services for the health system's northwest region. During his tenure, he had done some work with the system's hospice program and found it very satisfying.

He was "ready to shift gears" just as HOM was searching for a full-time medical director, and he made the move. It's been a rewarding and challenging few years, he says. "I enjoy the administrative aspects of my work. I also have the opportunity to write, and the important task of participating in the medical education program," he explains. "It is imperative that we spread the word about hospice, be role models for future physicians and let them know that hospice work is a perfectly legitimate use of a medical degree," he says.

Dr. Paletta feels one of the most important facets of HOM is that it "empowers" people: "We give patients more control over the end of their lives."

His career is rich with rewards, Dr. Paletta says: "Providing hospice care is not discouraging or depressing. It's exactly the opposite - it's sustaining and rewarding. You know that you make a difference on a daily basis - that someone is better off because you were there."

Back to Employee Testimonials