Dr. Nancy Cloak, second from right, with other members of the 2015 Oregon Hospice Association Dream Team.
Dr. Nancy Cloak of Housecall Providers (HCP) Hospice was named Hospice Dream Team Physician of the Year by the Oregon Hospice Association at its annual conference in Bend last month. “Being a hospice physician has been a longstanding dream, and to be able to do this inspiring work, collaborate with amazing colleagues from many disciplines, and then receive this award has been gift upon gift upon gift,” Nancy said.
Nancy has been part of the HCP team for less than a year, but nonetheless, her medical acumen and compassionate care has sent ripples throughout the scope of our work, particularly with her colleagues, our patients and families that we serve.
“Frequently, staff members will come to me and let me know something amazing that Nancy has done. She is dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to ensure that our hospice patients are comfortable,” said Nancy’s Dream Team nominator, Hospice Clinical Supervisor, Richard Holman, RN. “She has an uncanny ability to always be available and her communication skills with all staff members goes above and beyond.”
The award was presented to Nancy by HCP Hospice Program Director, Rebecca Ashling, MSN, who touted Nancy’s extensive medical knowledge of mind and body. “Nancy has provided valuable education about symptom management to our hospice team and as a practicing psychiatrist, has a wealth of knowledge surrounding mental health. She has won the hearts of both staff and patients and is a valuable member of our team.”
Nancy shared the stage with six other individuals from around the state specializing in the following hospice care professions: Nurse, social worker, support staff/compliance analyst, hospice aide, volunteer and chaplain. Since 2004, the Oregon Hospice Association has honored professionals who exemplify the best in quality hospice care by naming them to the Hospice Dream Team.
Dr. Nancy Cloak
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to the Housecall Providers Hospice leadership for giving me the opportunity to work with and learn from a wonderful group of people, to Dr. Lara Garrett for her wise and patient counsel, and especially to the real Dream Team – the Housecall Providers clinicians, nurses, administrators and support staff.”
Nancy received her medical degree from University of South Florida and completed her residency at the prestigious Menninger Clinic in Houston. A practicing psychiatrist for over a decade, she was drawn to hospice work since serving as a caregiver for a family member. “I find that it blends my abiding interest in general medicine with the best parts of being a psychiatrist, listening and working with a multidisciplinary team,” she said.
This is Housecall Providers’ third Dream Team member in three years. Yana Kindrachuk received the award as a certified nursing assistant last year and Volunteer Coordinator Todd Lawrence was honored in 2013 in the professional services category.
