The 2010 Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physician Awards in the established physician category honor Robert A. Milch, MD, FACS, a physician at The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, near Buffalo. Dr. Milch, a surgeon, has been a leader in hospice and palliative care for more than 30 years, almost since its inception in the United States. He was recognized for his longstanding commitment to and excellence in clinical care for patients with advanced illness and for his regional and national leadership in palliative care and surgery.

Dr. Milch's work in hospice care began in 1977, when he came to Hospice Buffalo as the medical director on a voluntary basis, even while working in a large surgical practice. He helped to shape the organization, as well as develop the field of hospice care overall. Dr. Milch was a founding member of the National Association of Hospice Physicians and served as president from 1981 to 1982. He was director of the Palliative Care Service at Buffalo General Hospital from 1980 to 1994. In 1993 he left his surgical practice to become the full-time medical director of Hospice Buffalo, which is now part of The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.

After retiring as medical director of Hospice Buffalo in 2007, Dr. Milch stayed on as a physician, working with nurses, social workers, clergy and others in the care of patients.

  Dr. Milch Receiving Award