MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Dr. AlvinH. Moss, executive director of the West Virginia Center for End-of-Life Careand director of the Center for HealthEthics and Law at West VirginiaUniversity’s Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, has established a national reputationas anexpert in both arenas.
Dr. Alvin Moss
Moss recently received the American Association of Kidney Patients’ 2015 Medal of Excellence Award, which recognizes visionaries whose insight and perseverance have led to dramatic advances that improve the care of patients with kidney disease. It is the group’s highest honor for health care professionals. In addition, in March Moss was quoted twice in the New York Times. One story addressed end-of-life care and one the decisions older patients face regarding dialysis.“I appreciate the recognition bestowed upon me by the American Association of Kidney Patients,” Dr. Moss said. “The issue of how people are treated when faced with serious illness is a critical one. I have sought to ensure that patients are well informed and share in the decisions about all aspects of their care with their physicians. I am honored to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia and to direct West Virginia’s nationally recognized center.”The West Virginia Center for End-of-Life Care provides guidance to health care professionals and the general public about the importance of advance directives such as Living Wills and Medical Powers of Attorney and medical orders including West Virginia’s POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) form. The center also maintains the e-Directive Registry, a secure database where medical professionals can access patients’ forms in a medical emergency to respect their wishes.
“West Virginia is a national leader in the number of people who fill out at least one of these forms,” Dr. Moss said. “We appreciate the support of the Department of Health and Human Resources as we continue this important mission.”
Moss is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
For more information about the West Virginia Center for End-of-Life Care or the West Virginia e-Directive Registry, call 1-877-209-8086 or visit www.wvendoflife.org.
