Dr. Deric Weiss AHHC H.O.M.E. Physician of the Year
Congratulations to NCMS member Dr. Deric Weiss for being named Physician of the Year at the 2024 Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina (AHHC) H.O.M.E. Awards! Lower Cape Fear LifeCare says Dr. Weiss’s unwavering dedication to his role as physician at LCFL’s Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion in Wilmington has not gone unnoticed. He also oversees daily care for 100-150 at-home patients, Dr. Weiss’s expertise in symptom management has been invaluable in improving the quality of life for those in need.
Not only does Dr. Weiss share his vast knowledge with his interdisciplinary team, hospitalists, and community physicians, but he also takes the time to inspire and educate healthcare professionals through LCFL’s program “Your Hardest Discussion Could Be Your Greatest Gift: Talking About Hospice Care with Families.” This program has reached countless physicians, nurse-practitioners, and physicians assistants in our community, preparing them for the difficult conversations that come with end-of-life care.
Dr. Weiss’s compassion and empathy towards his patients and their families are second to none. He has a remarkable ability to put them at ease, helping them understand their illness and prognosis. His kindness knows no bounds, and he is always willing to go above and beyond for his patients. One touching example of this is when he made a home visit to administer a steroid shot for knee pain to a patient who had trouble leaving their home. Knowing the patient’s love for cowboys, Dr. Weiss donned cowboy boots and a hat for the visit, making it an unforgettable experience for the patient.
Dr. Weiss is known for telling his team, “If you do what’s right for the patient, things always work out.” This simple yet powerful statement reflects how Dr. Weiss practices hospice and palliative medicine – always putting the patient’s needs and well-being above all else.