John Durocher, MD, FACP of Rock Hall and Georgia Wilkison, RN, BSN, CHPN of Preston, both with Hospice of Queen Anne’s were each recognized recently by the Hospice and Palliative Care Network of Maryland at their annual meeting in Bowie, MD.

Durocher, medical director for Hospice of Queen Anne’s for nearly 12 years, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, the network’s highest award, for his outstanding dedication to promoting quality and compassionate hospice care.

“Dr. John Durocher is one of the kindest, most empathetic physicians I’ve ever worked with,” said Mary Lynn McPherson, Pharm.D., BCPS, CPE, professor, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and consulting pharmacist to Hospice of Queen Anne’s. She added, “He is very skilled at optimizing the quality of a patient’s life when faced with advanced illness, and draws from a strong evidence-base to prescribe comfort measures. Residents of Queen Anne’s County can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Dr. John has their back!”

Durocher retired as head of the hematology/oncology section of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and relocated to Rock Hall where he established theTownsend Memorial Medical Clinic, a free health care clinic serving uninsured and indigent adult residents. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine and completed a medical internship and residency at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He holds certifications in internal medicine, hematology and oncology from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Durocher is a visiting volunteer specialist for the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Gabarone, Botswana and a member of the Board of Homeports, Inc. in Chestertown, Maryland.

Wilkison, quality manager and clinical development specialist for Hospice of Queen Anne’s was recognized for “making a difference” every day at Hospice of Queen Anne’s. Wilkison’s stellar work ethic and continued commitment to patients, families, staff and the community was noted by Executive Director Heather Guerieri.

“Georgia truly demonstrates the highest standard of excellence as she cares for our patients and their families and she teaches our staff the same principles,” said Guerieri.

Wilkison earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Villa Julie College and is certified in hospice and palliative care by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. Prior to joining the Hospice of Queen Anne’s team in 2003, Wilkison was employed as a registered nurse case manager for Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Hospice of Queen Anne’s, a non-profit, fully licensed Medicare-certified organization, is dedicated to providing the highest quality end-of-life care and bereavement support and education to individuals, families and the community.

To find out more, visit the website at www.hospiceofqueenannes.org, or call 443-262-4100.

Photo Caption: Georgia Wilkison, RN, BSN, CHPN, recipient of the You Make a Difference Award and John Durocher, MD, FACP recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award display their trophies presented by the Hospice and Palliative Care Network of Maryland.