June 2, 2026
Leadership in Action: Investing in the Future of PALTC Medicine
By Cari Levy, MD, PhD, CMD, FPALTC
As the post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) landscape continues to evolve, strong, well-prepared leadership has never been more essential. The Foundation for PALTC Medicine remains deeply committed to advancing leadership development, clinical excellence, and professional growth across the PALTC community, ensuring today’s clinicians are equipped to lead the field into the future.
Through strategic investments in education, leadership development among our national PALTC practitioners, and strong workforce development, the Foundation is proud to support initiatives that strengthen both emerging and established leaders. Central to this effort is the continued expansion of leadership programming and targeted funding opportunities that remove barriers to participation, support early-career clinicians, and foster meaningful engagement.
This year, the Foundation is pleased to support participants in the 2026 PALTmed Leadership Program as they take part in the 2026 Advocacy Summit, an important opportunity for clinicians to engage directly in understanding and shaping policy to elevate and advance PALTC medicine at a national level.
Support for this effort is made possible through the Christopher Laxton Excellence in Leadership Fund, which continues to play a vital role in preparing and elevating PALTC leaders. Through this endowed fund, Leadership Program participants can deepen their understanding of advocacy, policy, and leadership in action—experiences that extend well beyond the classroom and into real-world impact.
Complementing this investment, the Dr. Rajeev Kumar PALTC Leadership & Advocacy Fund provides travel awards to support four participants in attending the 2026 Advocacy Summit. These awards ensure that financial considerations do not limit participation in critical leadership and advocacy experiences. This effort reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to access, equity, and opportunity within the profession.
Together, these funds exemplify the power of philanthropy to advance leadership development in tangible and lasting ways. By supporting participation in national advocacy efforts, the Foundation is not only investing in individual clinicians but strengthening the collective voice and future of PALTC medicine.
Looking ahead, the Foundation is excited to continue building on this momentum. The Board of Directors has recently approved additional financial awards, beginning in 2027, to support clinicians at pivotal stages in their careers. These new opportunities will include funding for those pursuing the Certified Medical Director (CMD) designation as well as expanded support for early-career clinicians seeking to advance their knowledge and leadership capacity.
In addition, travel awards will be available to enable eligible individuals to attend the PALTmed27 Annual Meeting, ensuring broader access to education, networking, and professional growth opportunities. These investments reflect a thoughtful and strategic approach to workforce development that strengthens PALTC career pathways. These efforts recognize the importance of both early investment and ongoing career support to sustain a strong and resilient PALTC community.
More information on these funding opportunities, including eligibility criteria and application processes, will be shared in the coming months. The Foundation encourages interested clinicians to stay engaged and explore how these programs can support their professional journey.
At its core, the Foundation’s work is grounded in a simple yet powerful belief that investing in people through education and leadership development drives meaningful progress in care delivery and outcomes. By supporting clinicians as leaders, advocates, and innovators, the Foundation is helping shape a future in which the PALTC community is not only prepared to meet today’s challenges but also to lead with confidence and purpose in the years ahead.
View the 2025 Impact Report or visit our Foundation website to learn more and support our mission to advance the PALTC community through philanthropy by funding research, workforce development, and professional education.
To become a monthly donor and set your philanthropy plans on “auto-pilot,” please visit the Foundation website.
Dr. Cari Levy, MD, PhD, CMD, FPALTC, is chair of the Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.