ABOUT US

Our mission is to enrich the provider-patient relationship near the end of life through education, collaboration and recognition. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization. A defining characteristic of the Cunniff-Dixon Foundation is that we are not aligned with any outside organizations and have no commercial affiliations. Donations come from those solely interested and committed to our mission.

Founders Statement

Founders Statement

The Cunniff-Dixon Foundation was created in 2005 in memory of Carley Cunniff and in recognition of Dr. Peter S. Dixon. Carley died in January of 2005 after a 3- year battle with breast cancer. Peter Dixon was her attending physician during her last year; he was the guiding light who enabled her to die a peaceful death at home

Letters From Andy Baxter and Carley Cunniff

Cunniff-Dixon Letter: Andy Baxter This letter is part of my Healthcare Proxy/Living Will package “To My Health Care Proxy(ies), Anne, Cookie, and Michael: Personal Wishes; Supplemental Thoughts With complete foreknowledge of the consequences of my doing so, I hereby fully relieve and release, and without hesitation or qualiﬁcation ﬁrmly direct and require my Executor(s) to relieve and release each

Dr. Peter Dixon, MD, FACP

For over 31 years, Peter Dixon has been practicing the art of good doctoring. With adult primary care the focus of his practice, many of his patients are over 80, and he is renowned as it pertains to quality end of life care. He is highly regarded for his abilities in enabling patients to spend their final months, weeks

Our Team

Stephen H. Lockhart, M.D., Ph.D. Chairman

Andrew Peters, RN Executive Director

Susan Gold Communications Director

Nicole Glover Media Director

Planning my Way

Planning My Way (PMW) is a comprehensive end of life care workbook experience designed to help individuals and families contemplate, discuss, and communicate legal and supporting future health care directives effectively.

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Awards

The Cunniff-Dixon Physician and Nursing awards recognize physicians and nurses practicing in the United States who give exemplary care to patients at the end of life. Over $1M has been awarded to deserving honorees collectively over the last decade.

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Influencer Interview Series

We have been privileged to engage with some of the brightest and best leaders in the field of palliative and end of life care. We salute them in our influencer interview series and are privileged to bring to you their knowledge and wisdom.

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Surgeons guide to palliative care

A highly regarded and carefully created manual specifically written for surgeons in training, regardless of future sub-specialty career choices to offer guidance and management of the most salient problems encountered in palliative care.

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Partnerships

The American College Of Surgeons

In 2008, we partnered with The American College of Surgeons for a palliative care curriculum for U.S. surgical residents. Founded in 1913, the College seeks to uphold high standards in surgical practice.

The Hastings Center

Founded in 1969, The Hastings Center is a nonpartisan bioethics institute. It addresses ethical concerns in health, medicine, and the environment, impacting both individuals and societies.

ELNEC

In 2025, we will embark on the first year of a three-year partnership with the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). Founded in February 2000, ELNEC is a national and international education initiative to improve palliative care.