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Egidio Del Fabbro, M.D., has been named program director of palliative care at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, effective May 1, 2012.

A nationally recognized expert in palliative care – comprehensive care for patients and families with a focus on alleviating suffering from serious illness – Del Fabbro comes to VCU Massey from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he is currently an associate professor in the Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine. He is also director of the Outpatient Cachexia Clinic and associate director of the Palliative Care Fellowship Training Program.

Del Fabbro, who will also serve as an associate professor of internal medicine within the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care of the Department of Internal Medicine at the VCU School of Medicine, is a physician and scientist with specific clinical and research interests in cancer-related fatigue and cachexia (involuntary loss of weight caused by disease). He directs a robust research program with a history of peer-reviewed funding, and he is a member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) Research Committee.

At VCU, Del Fabbro will work closely with Steven R. Grossman, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, and Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center, to focus on the continued growth of the palliative care program, specifically on increasing its outpatient presence and integration of palliative care across all oncology services, as well as further enhancing its national and international reputation.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Del Fabbro join us to lead our Thomas Palliative Care Program. His addition is integral to the Program’s long-term growth and continued success as one of the world’s foremost leaders of palliative care treatment, research and training,” said Grossman.

“Dr. Del Fabbro brings valuable knowledge and experience to an important leadership role at VCU Massey Cancer Center,” Ginder said. “He will significantly contribute to the Center’s excellence in cancer care, research and education.”

Del Fabbro received his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and his fellowship in palliative care at MD Anderson.

Written by: Jenny Owen