The Academy has dedicated itself to advancing hospice and palliative medicine and improving the care of patients with serious illness. Originally organized as the Academy of Hospice Physicians in 1988, the Academy began with 250 charter members and has grown to more than 5,400 today. AAHPM is dedicated to expanding access of patients and families to high quality palliative care, and advancing the discipline of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, through professional education and training, development of a specialist workforce, support for clinical practice standards, research and public policy.