Recently certified in hospice and palliative care

PALM BAY, FL - Today Hospice of Health First announced the appointment of a new Medical Director for the William Childs Hospice House. Dr. Ruddy Ruiz assumes responsibility February 1, 2011.

Dr. Ruiz, a Board Certified internal medicine physician, recently was certified in hospice and palliative care by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Ruiz completed his residency at University of Illinois Hospital following graduation from Universidad Central del Caribe Medical School in Puerto Rico. He has been a practicing physician in Brevard County since 1996.

The American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine was formed in 1995 to establish and measure the level of knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for certification of physicians practicing Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Ruiz is one of only a select group of physicians in our county to receive this distinction.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Ruiz to our hospice interdisciplinary team," said Roberta Van Dusen, executive director of Hospice of Health First, "and look forward to working with him at the William Childs Hospice House. His hospice and palliative care knowledge will complement the skill set of our professional clinicians providing additional expertise as Hospice of Health First delivers the highest quality of care for our patients and caregivers."

Also continuing to provide care and guidance at the William Childs Hospice House will be Dr. David Norris, a Health First Physician, who will continue his involvement in Hospice of Health First following several months as interim medical director.

A program of Hospice of Health First, the William Childs Hospice House is a free-standing 16-bed inpatient Hospice facility for patients who require more intensive, skilled nursing care and symptom management in a medical setting. Under the direction of a full-time medical director, the staff of the Hospice House includes registered nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors, clergy, hospice aides, and a devoted group of specially trained volunteers.