From Scalpel to Hospice: Why Precision and Compassion Define End-of-Life Care
- Alan Kaplan, MD
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
By Alan Kaplan, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Alan Kaplan is a surgeon and health services researcher. He has extensive experience on quality improvement, patient engagement, making medicine more accessible and understandable to patients, and working extensively with professional colleagues and organizations. In his role as CMO, he is responsible for quality of care, compliance, and patient experience.
The precision of the operating room and the intensity of a football field—unlikely influences, perhaps, for a urologic surgeon now in hospice care. As Chief Medical Officer of Alleviate Care, however, these experiences now profoundly shape my perspective.
The Surgical Mindset: Precision, Process, and a Relentless Drive for Excellence
Surgery demands precision. Every decision is critical, and even a small misstep can have significant consequences. In the operating room, we adhere to meticulous processes, understanding that each team member plays a vital role in achieving the best possible outcome for the patient. There’s no room for ambiguity; excellence is the only standard.
This same unwavering focus on process and excellence is just as crucial in hospice care. At Alleviate Care, while we aren't performing surgery, we are navigating some of life’s most delicate and defining moments. Our patients and their families deserve care that is precise, thoughtful, and built on a foundation of operational excellence and integrity.
A Coach’s Perspective: Teamwork and Adaptability
Before a career in surgery, athletics taught the power of teamwork, how to adapt to changing circumstances, and how to remain calm under pressure. In hospice care, collaboration with an entire team is paramount: patients, families, caregivers, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. Like a well-coordinated team on the field, everyone has a role, and the "playbook" must adapt to meet the unique needs of each individual situation.
The outcomes in hospice care are measured differently than in surgery; they are found in moments of peace and human connection, not in scans or stitches. Yet, these moments of dignity at the end of life are equally vital. Achieving them requires the same discipline and adaptability learned through sports and in the OR.
Why "Good Enough" Isn't Enough in Hospice
In surgery, "good enough" is never acceptable. You cannot leave anything to chance. This mentality remains with me in hospice, even though the stakes might seem different. While our role isn't to "save" lives in the conventional sense, we are safeguarding the quality of those final days, hours, and moments.
Hospice care requires us to anticipate needs, manage symptoms effectively, and ensure seamless processes – from medication delivery to emotional support. There is little room for error when families rely on us during one of life's most vulnerable transitions. Just as in the OR, "good enough" simply isn’t an option for our hospice patients and their families. This commitment guides Alleviate Care to deliver consistently exceptional and high-quality care.
Warmth, Humor, and Humanity: The Alleviate Touch
Experience as a urologist also taught me the importance of a good sense of humor. When a profession involves more than a few awkward conversations, you learn to bring lightness to serious situations. In hospice care, a lighter perspective also has its place. It reminds us of the profound humanity in what we do and helps us connect with patients and families in a way that feels authentic and real.
At Alleviate Care, we believe that our operational excellence must always be balanced with genuine warmth and compassion. Whether it’s a nurse holding a patient’s hand, a social worker offering support, or a chaplain sharing a heartfelt story, we understand that true success is measured by the empathy and kindness we deliver in every interaction.
The Sum of All Parts: Why It All Comes Together in Hospice
People often ask me why I made the transition from surgery to hospice care. The answer is simple: every stage of my career has led up to this. Surgery instilled precision. Athletics taught teamwork and adaptability. Health services research honed critical thinking about systems. And all these experiences fostered a relentless focus on continuous improvement and excellence.
Hospice care demands all of these qualities and more. It's not just about the services we provide; it’s about how we provide them. Every system, every process, and every interaction must be finely tuned to meet the unique needs of patients and their families during life’s most tender moments.
This isn't merely a job; it's what we're called to do. It's a space where every detail is handled with
care, clinical expertise is paired with a compassionate heart, and each moment holds profound importance. All my past experiences have led me to this: to truly show up for people when they need it most, a lesson I'll forever carry, and oftentimes, so will they.
Alleviate Care is Southern California’s trusted hospice provider.
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