April 6, 2026
Celebrating 30 Years of Impact—Advancing PALTC Together
By Cari Levy, MD, PhD, CMD
As the Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine begins its 30th year, we are reflecting on the remarkable impact made possible by the generosity and commitment of our national community.
During our recent PALTC26 gathering in Anaheim, CA, I was reminded through many conversations that the strength of our Foundation lies in the shared dedication of clinicians, leaders, industry partners, and donors who believe deeply in advancing post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) medicine.
For three decades, the Foundation has served as the only philanthropic organization dedicated exclusively to supporting clinicians working in PALTC settings. Through philanthropy and collaboration, we invest in research, workforce development, education, and leadership to strengthen clinical excellence and improve care for the millions of older adults served in these environments.
As part of this milestone year, the Foundation is pleased to share the newly released 2025 Impact Report, which highlights the programs, partnerships, and philanthropic investments made possible through the generosity of our supporters. The report offers a deeper look at the progress achieved over the past year and the growing momentum behind the Foundation’s mission.
Looking ahead, our work is guided by the Foundation’s current strategic plan, which focuses on expanding impact through four core priorities:
- Advancing research that informs PALTC clinical practice
- Strengthening the workforce through education and leadership development
- Growing philanthropic partnerships that sustain innovation
- Expanding outreach that elevates the importance of PALTC medicine nationally
Every contribution matters. Whether a gift is $25 or $25,000, when combined with the generosity of others, it fuels meaningful progress across our profession. The Foundation’s work is built on this collective commitment—individual donors, state chapters, industry partners, and organizations that share a vision for stronger care systems and better outcomes for residents and patients.
This past year marked an especially strong chapter in the Foundation’s story. In 2025, the Foundation received $533,297 in philanthropic support, surpassing our projected goal of $405,000. These resources allow us to expand programs that support clinicians today while preparing the next generation of PALTC leaders.
Advancing Research that Informs PALTC Clinical Practice
Research remains a pillar of the Foundation’s mission. In 2025, the Foundation received 15 research Letters of Intent and awarded a competitive research grant to Dr. Rachel McPherson of the University of Maryland, Baltimore for her project, “Fostering Positive Care Interactions in Assisted Living.” This important work focuses on improving staff–resident interactions for individuals living with dementia in assisted living communities—an area of increasing importance as the PALTC population continues to grow.
Building on this momentum, the 2026 research grant cycle launched January 1 and will support four new projects, including two $25,000 Foundation Research Grants and two $30,000 to $40,000 industry-supported research grants funded by Acadia and Neurocrine. These industry-supported studies will focus on Parkinson’s disease and Tardive Dyskinesia, conditions that significantly impact many residents in long-term care settings.
Through these grants and partnerships, the Foundation continues to advance evidence-based care and support innovative research that directly benefits PALTC clinicians and the patients they serve.
Strengthening the Workforce through Education and Leadership Development
The Foundation and PALTmed continue their longstanding commitment to workforce development through support of the Futures Program, which is celebrating its 25th year. This joint initiative provides a one-year learning experience designed to introduce residents, fellows, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals to careers in PALTC medicine. As demand for skilled PALTC clinicians continues to grow, the Futures Program plays an essential role in building a strong and sustainable workforce dedicated to compassionate, high-quality care.
In addition, the Foundation supported PALTmed for the redesign of the competencies curriculum PALTessentials: Navigating Clinical Practice, strengthening clinical training resources available to PALTC practitioners nationwide. These investments help ensure clinicians have the knowledge and tools needed to provide high-quality care in an increasingly complex health-care environment.
Donor-supported funds are also expanding opportunities for leadership development and scholarship support. These include the Dr. Rajeev Kumar PALTC Leadership & Advocacy Fund, which supports emerging advocates attending the PALTmed Advocacy Summit. The Dr. Kenneth Brubaker Research and Education Fund supports research and educational initiatives across the profession. In addition, several Futures Scholarship Funds, by Dr. Susan Levy and Dr. Jonathan Musher, help ensure that new clinicians can participate in the PALTmed Annual Conference to deepen their engagement in the field.
Growing Philanthropic Partnerships that Sustain Innovation
Many of the Foundation’s programs are strengthened through donor-established funds that honor leaders whose contributions continue to shape our profession.
The Dr. Steven Levenson Lectureship in Medical Direction, presented again at PALTC26, advances excellence in medical direction while honoring Dr. Levenson’s extraordinary impact on PALTC medicine. Likewise, the Dr. Robert Kaplan Futures Scholarship Memorial Fund supports Florida PALTC clinicians.
State chapters also play an important role in building the Foundation’s future through philanthropy. One example is the Perry Kemp Futures Scholarship Fund, established by members of the PALTmed - Georgia Chapter to support future PALTC leaders from their state.
As we celebrate 30 years of impact, we look forward to continuing to Expand Outreach that Elevates the Importance of PALTC Medicine Nationally. The need for strong research, innovative education, and a growing PALTC workforce has never been greater.
None of this work would be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our donors, state chapters, industry partners, and members of our Industry Advisory Board, whose collaboration and support continue to strengthen our mission.
With your continued support, the Foundation will expand its impact—advancing research, strengthening the career pathway to PALTC professions, and expanding education and leadership for clinicians dedicated to caring for older adults.
Together, we are building a stronger future for PALTC medicine and creating a legacy of care that will benefit generations to come.
View the 2025 Impact Report or visit our Foundation website to learn more about our programs, support our work, submit a research proposal, or nominate a leader for the PALTC Excellence Awards.
Cari Levy is chair of the Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.