Dr. Ellen Middendorf, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Medical Director, started working with us in August, 2014. Dr. Middendorf had always enjoyed caring for hospice patients in her family practice. She decided to transition her efforts to hospice care full-time. At Hospice of Southern Illinois, she ensures that each individual patient’s needs are met with a plan of care that suits each patient’s end-of-life wishes. Her goal in hospice care is to be able to make the unbearable a little easier and provide support to the patients and families along the way.
Dr. Middendorf adds, “I feel truly honored and blessed by the opportunity to help our patients and families find peace and comfort in the most difficult circumstances.”
Helping patients live life to the fullest is her commitment. Working with the interdisciplinary team is also a highlight of the job. It is a collaborative effort to provide the best care for those in the communities that we serve. Dr. Middendorf truly exemplifies what it means to provide comfort, dignity, respect, and quality to Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients.
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Dr. Ellen Middendorf is happiest when home on her small farm. Working for Hospice of Southern Illinois has shown her how important home is, no matter where it may be for each individual. Home is so important. “It’s one place we are surrounded by love mixed with a little chaos, which makes for some really great memories.”
Her favorite quote is one that relates to end-of-life care and the care of her patients. The quote, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain,” by Vivian Green. It also shows the compassion and positivity that Dr. Middendorf brings to Hospice of Southern Illinois.