My bio
My name is Sheri Kittelson, and I am the Division Chief for the University of Florida Palliative Care Program in the Department of Medicine. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado, where I completed my undergraduate, medical school, and palliative care fellowship training. I completed my residency training at the University of Florida. During my training, I served as chief resident and was awarded the “Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Resident Teaching Award for Excellence in Education.” I am board-certified in both family medicine and palliative care through the American Academy of Family Physicians. I am a co-investigator for cancer related research trials through the supportive oncology clinic. Nationally I, along with the UF Palliative Care program have become a recognized center for quality palliative care services and called upon by other hospitals to assist in education, consultation, and expertise in quality data management and patient care models.
My two areas of expertise within palliative care are oncology research focusing on improved communication and system quality implementation and measurement using technology. In response to poor healthcare quality outcomes and rising costs, healthcare reform triple aim has increased requirements for providers to demonstrate value to payers, partners, and the public. Given my interest in quality, statistical analysis, data and technology, I set out on a three year project to create and publish the first ever quality palliative care scorecard. Electronically automating measurement via the electronic health record of the meaningful quality impact of palliative care programs on clinical, operational, and financial systems over time is imperative to the success of the field, and was the goal of the automated scorecard. Ultimately, the results may form the basis of a national palliative care quality registry for governmental reporting and reimbursement. Health care reform is moving toward high value care, and palliative care is positioned as a leader in this effort, improving Value (Value = Quality/Costs). This scorecard has been published in a high impact journal and presented at a national conference.
Board certifications
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Family Medicine
American Board of Family Medicine
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Hospice and Palliative Medicine
American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Education
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Collaborative Executive Talent Development Leadership Program
University of Florida College of Medicine, 2018-2019
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Executive Leadership Program
Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine, 2017
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Leadership Development Curriculum, Self-Study Series
Center to Advanced Palliative Care, 2016
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Leadership Ignite Program
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2016
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Educational Scholarship Program Completion of Educational Development Certificate Series
University of Florida, 2015-2016
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Fellowship, Hospice and Palliative Medicine
University of Colorado, 2015-2016
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Chief Resident Leadership and Management Skills Seminar
Emory University School of Medicine, 2008
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Medical Degree
University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2001-2005
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Bachelor of Science
University of Colorado, 1993-1999
Specialties
Gender
Female
Accomplishments
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Multidisciplinary Pain Anesthesia Fellowship Program
UF GME Program, 2022
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High-Enroller Award for Dignity Therapy Palliative Care Study
UF Cancer Center Research, 2021
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Nomination to Society of Teaching Scholars
University of Florida College of Medicine, 2021
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Team Safety and Quality Award
UF Health Organ Procurement Quality Improvement Task Force, 2020
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Designation Status, Certificate Completion of Comprehensive Communication Training
Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2019
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Fellow
American Academy of Family Physicians, 2019
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Certificate of Appreciation Award for Being an Outstanding Professional
Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care Conference, 2018
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Physician Recognition Award for Dedication to Lifelong Learning
American Medical Association, 2016
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Best Consult Service of the Year Award, Palliative Care
University of Florida Department of Medicine, 2015
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Faculty Enhancement Opportunity Award
University of Florida, 2015
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Best Consult Service of the Year Award, Palliative Care
University of Florida Department of Medicine, 2014
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Patient Satisfaction, Customer Service Key Award
University of Florida, 2014
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Patient Care and Safety Award, Direct Admissions Committee Physician Leader
University of Florida, 2011
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Chief Resident
Golden Apple Teaching Award, 2009
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Resident Teaching Award
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, 2009
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Excellence in Neurobiology
Nell J. Fahrion Award, 1999
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Outstanding Achievement in Genetics
Gregor Mendel Award, 1993