Brentwood-based Compassus, a nationwide network of community-based hospice, palliative and home health programs, recently announced the addition of Kurt Merkelz, MD, to the organization's executive team as senior vice president and chief medical officer.

Merkelz has been a part of Compassus since 2010, previously serving as medical director of the program in Houston, Texas. In his new role, he will lead the company's quality and clinical initiatives, ensuring the delivery of quality patient outcomes and increased access to end-of-life care in the more than 150 communities Compassus serves across the country.

A past winner of the R. Sean Morrison, MD, Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hospice Physician Leadership Merkelz has focused on caring for older adults throughout his career. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed residencies in family medicine and geriatric medicine at the University of Cincinnati. Merkelz is triple-board certified in hospice and palliative care medicine, family practice and geriatrics.