February 5, 2016

Susan Tolle, M.D., professor of medicine, OHSU School of Medicine, is a well-known figure in the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) movement, which is designed to allow patients with advanced illness or frailty receive the level of care they want in the setting they want. Her national leadership and advocacy is being recognized by the national POLST organization with a new award in her name.

The Susan Tolle, M.D. Award for Outstanding Service is given to a POLST Paradigm member who epitomizes steadfast dedication and long-term service to promote the National POLST Paradigm and quality POLST Paradigm Programs.

Dr. Tolle, who is also director of the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care, received the inaugural award during the 2016 National POLST Paradigm conference on Feb. 4.

In establishing the award, the National POLST Paradigm called out, among other things, her leadership in creating a national movement for states to adopt POLST programs;her work authoring, conducting and advising on numerous POLST research initiatives;her mentorship and support of state POLST Paradigm programs;and her service on the National POLST Paradigm Task Force and many subcommittees.

More

• Dr. Susan Tolle contributes to national conversation on "difficult discussions"
• Proof of POLST –School of Medicine paper of the month, July 2014
• Dr. Susan Tolle awarded prestigious MacLean Center Prize