Clinician Wins Award for Advancing Palliative Care

Dr. Glenn Panzer has won the 2024 Doris A. Howell Award for Advancing Palliative Care, the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care announced Friday.

A pioneer in shaping palliative care across North San Diego County, Panzer is recognized for championing ethical decision-making and enhancing quality of care for patients navigating complex medical decisions. His background includes serving as the chief medical officer at The Elizabeth Hospice and playing a pivotal role in establishing the inpatient palliative care service at Palomar Health.

The award includes a $25,000 gift in honor of Dr. Doris Howell, funded by The Shiley Foundation, Darlene Marcos Shiley, president. This year, on behalf of Panzer, the gift will benefit The Elizabeth Hospice's bereavement program.

In addition to his work as a clinician, Panzer cofounded the San Diego Coalition for Compassionate Care, which advocates for advance care planning, palliative care access and caregiver support. He also chairs the San Diego Dementia Consortium, fostering education, professional collaboration and resources for families impacted by dementia.

Panzer was nominated for the award by Michael McDuffie, associate professor of philosophy at Cal State San Marcos and faculty director of the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care at CSUSM.

"The impact of Dr. Panzer's work in palliative medicine is unparalleled," McDuffie said. "He has touched countless lives, ensuring that patients and families receive compassionate, patient-centered care during their most vulnerable moments."

Panzer's influence extends deeply into the professional community. A dedicated mentor, he continues to support countless palliative care professionals, offering guidance, expertise and encouragement. Many of his mentees attribute their career success to Panzer's thoughtful and generous mentorship.

Panzer will receive the award at a reception on April 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the McMahan House on CSUSM's campus.

The Howell award is named after the late Dr. Doris Howell, a legendary physician and pioneer in pediatric hematology, oncology and community medicine who in 1977 founded San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine (SDHIPM).

For more information about the institute or the Howell award, visit csupalliativecare.org.