August 25, 2025
Are you a PALTmed member who has been dedicated to the field of post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) medicine for at least 7 years? Then please consider applying for the PALTmed Fellowship Program by the September 15 deadline.
The prestigious Fellow of PALTmed (FPALTC) designation was created to recognize exceptional dedication and sustained contributions to both PALTmed and the field of PALTC medicine. We spoke to two individuals who've applied to the program to find out what they hope to get from participation.
Based in Rochester, NY, Thomas Caprio, MD, MPH, HMDC, CMD, has been involved with PALTC medicine for more than 20 years, spanning the realms of clinical, education, leadership, and research. He says, “I often feel that health-care providers who support patients in these settings are the ‘unsung heroes,’ and I am a passionate advocate for advancing evidence-based practice, high-quality care standards, and always keeping the patient at the center of our work.”
Steve Furr, MD, FAAFP, CMD, started providing nursing home care shortly after beginning his family practice in Jackson, AL, 40 years ago, and it continues to be part of his practice to this day. “It’s always been very reassuring to our patients to know that we would continue to be their physician and provide their care even when they moved into a long-term facility or even if they were coming in for short-term rehabilitation,” he explains. “It’s very important that they get the same level of skill and care that they would at any other stage of their life.”
Both Dr. Caprio and Dr. Furr had specific reasons for applying to the Fellowship Program. For Dr. Caprio, it was the chance to continue elevating his work in PALTC. As he explains, ” I find the opportunity to participate to be energizing in my own work. It sends a strong message that PALTmed is a professional organization committed to recognizing leaders in the field.”
“I became a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians as soon as I qualified,” Dr. Furr explains. “In a similar manner, the new PALtmed Fellowship Program acknowledges our continuing dedication to improving our skills and being in service to our profession. It demonstrates an ongoing commitment to our patients.”
The two physicians believe this designation will help them in their present positions and future endeavors. “It’s important that we acknowledge the extra effort and time that goes into developing our skills and services; this is another way of recognizing that ongoing excellence,” says Dr. Furr. “When you put those initials after your name, it will also cause people to ask you what that means, which allows you to explain how our organization supports its members.”
Dr. Caprio adds, “Formal fellowship recognition is not only a professional achievement, but it is empowering to know that one is part of an elite group of committed professionals who seek to bring attention and progress in the work that is important to us. Fellows are not only high achievers in their own work, but they also serve as significant role models and influential voices for workforce development across clinical, research, and leadership missions, which is crucial to advancing post-acute and long-term care medicine.”
Please check the PALTmed website to see if you meet eligibility requirements for earning the FPALTC designation. If you do, we hope you’ll consider applying by the September 15 deadline. The designation remains valid as long as you maintain your PALTmed membership.
Contact certification@paltmed.org if you have questions about the Fellowship process.
