BRENTWOOD – Compassus, a leading national provider of integrated home-based health care services, proudly announces that Kurt Merkelz, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer, has been honored with the 2024 McKnight’s Pinnacle Award in the “Setting the Standard” award category. 

This recognition is given to industry veterans who have significantly contributed to setting high standards, driving change and providing guidance and inspiration in the senior care, skilled nursing or home care sectors.

Throughout his career, Dr. Merkelz has focused on improving care delivery for vulnerable populations by advancing quality and clinical initiatives. His innovative leadership at Compassus has led to the development of an award-winning care delivery model, emphasizing person-centered, outcomes-focused care. This model ensures understanding of each patient’s concerns, tailoring care to their unique goals and resulting in Compassus’ hospice program exceeding national standards for end-of-life care.

“With the Pinnacle Awards, McKnight’s is honoring the individuals who have not only reached the top of the profession but managed to remain there for years,” said Publisher Craig Roth. “They’ve inspired us in the past and they’ll continue to do so for as long as they remain in the field.”

Nominations for the McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards were evaluated by an external panel of industry experts. Dr. Merkelz, along with other winners, will be honored at an in-person celebration on March 21.

For more information about the 2024 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards and the remarkable achievements of Dr. Kurt Merkelz, please visit McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards website.

For more information about Compassus, please visit compassus.com. 

Compassus provides a continuum of integrated home-based care services, including home health, home infusion, palliative and hospice care. Nearly 6,000 teammates and more than 250 access points nationwide provide high-quality care and manage patients' advanced illnesses in partnership with health systems and long-term care partners. The Compassus Care for who I am culture reflects its unique care delivery model, which focuses on each person as an individual as well as a patient, to improve their quality of life in a meaningful way. The company was honored as one of Newsweek's Greatest Places to Work for Women and Parents and Families in 2023. Learn more at compassus.com or follow @Compassus on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.