Leading with compassion: Dr. Gabriel on the evolution of Palliative Care at Carelon
Honoring our roots
Reflecting on Carelon Palliative Care’s beginnings, Dr. Gabriel, national medical director, shares, “Our roots began by listening and learning that many patients undergoing ongoing treatments or managing multiple comorbidities were not adequately supported by existing hospital-based palliative care programs. To address these challenges, our founders pioneered a model that provided earlier intervention in the illness journey, bringing care directly into patients’ homes.”
This approach aligned care with individual patient goals and established a compassionate, home-based model. “Our model focuses on respect and uplifting both patients and caregivers,” says Dr. Gabriel. “Carelon Palliative Care also fosters collaboration with community health teams from the outset.”
A distinct, non-hospice approach
The purpose of palliative care is to empower patients with serious illnesses to live well and take charge of their health at any stage of disease. Unlike hospice care, which begins when curative treatments stop, our model works alongside curative and life-prolonging therapies to ease symptoms, manage stress, and improve quality of life from diagnosis onward.
Through coordinated, whole-person support, our interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and engagement specialists provides ongoing relief and guidance tailored to each patient’s goals and preferences. “The expertise of this team ensures that patients and families are never alone and always have a reliable support system,” says Dr. Gabriel. “Being part of such a team is truly rewarding, as every effort is made to provide patient-centered care that allows every moment to be meaningful.”
Dr. Gabriel highlights, “The benefit of palliative care is its proactive engagement, meeting patients exactly where they are in their illness journey. We emphasize starting early with heartfelt conversations to understand potential challenges, ensuring that patients feel supported and understood from the start.”
Closing gaps in serious illness care
Palliative care bridges critical gaps in traditional healthcare. “By fostering collaboration among medical teams, palliative care ensures comprehensive and patient-centered treatment plans,” Dr. Gabriel explains. “Palliative care also emphasizes addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs that are frequently overlooked in traditional healthcare models. This holistic support not only enhances patients’ quality of life but also offers vital relief and guidance to family caregivers. In doing so, palliative care reduces healthcare costs associated with reactive treatments, making the entire system more efficient and compassionate.”
The future of palliative care: Dr. Gabriel’s vision
Looking ahead, Dr. Gabriel envisions palliative care as integral to managing serious illnesses. “Our objective is to make palliative care accessible and seamless, aligning with individual values at any illness stage,” he remarks. “But expanding access is only one part of our mission. We are prioritizing measuring impact through improved quality of life and respecting personal choices. This model focuses on responsive and humane care, ensuring that patient voices and needs are always at the forefront. We envision a future where palliative care moves beyond care delivery, becoming a standard-bearer for holistic and compassionate healthcare.”
Dr. Gabriel remains inspired by leading initiatives that strengthen human connections in medicine. “My motivation to lead in palliative care is rooted in the desire to provide compassionate, patient-centered care,” he shares. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to influence and improve care systems, support clinical teams, and invest in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. The chance to strengthen the human connection at the core of medicine is what initially drew me to this field and continues to inspire me every day.”
Carrying the legacy forward
Twelve years after its founding, Carelon Palliative Care remains rooted in the values that started it all: compassion, respect, and responsiveness to the community. As Carelon looks to the future, it is clear that the legacy of 2013 is being preserved and carried forward — with vision, integrity, and heart.
