Lawrence, MA – Bernice Burkarth, MD, HMDC, FAAHPM, has been named Chief Medical Officer for Home Health Foundation, which includes Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice and HomeCare, Inc. In this role, Dr. Burkarth will provide medical oversight and clinical direction to Merrimack Valley Hospice and the Palliative Care Program. In addition, Dr. Burkarth will participate in the strategic development, implementation and growth of innovative clinical programs that demonstrate the full value inherent in the Home Health Foundation Care Continuum through collaboration with both internal and external partners and referral sources.
Dr. Burkarth brings more than 25 years of hospice, palliative care and geriatric experience to Home Health Foundation. She earned her medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania and completed her residency in Neurosurgery at Albany Medical Center in New York. She also obtained Hospice Medical Director certification and fellowship status at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Prior to joining Home Health Foundation, Dr. Burkarth was Senior Medical Director of Palliative Services at Treasure Health Hospice in Florida.
Merrimack Valley Hospice is a not-for-profit agency providing comfort care and supportive services to patients nearing the end of life, and bereavement services to their families and loved ones. Together with Home Health VNA and HomeCare, Inc., the agencies provide a full continuum of home health and hospice care in more than 110 communities throughout the Merrimack Valley, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Merrimack Valley Hospice also serves the Southern Maine region as York Hospital Hospice.