Palliative Care
Test – Dedicated to providing an additional layer of care and support for San Diegans in the safety and security of their own homes because there is no place like home.
“An extra layer of support for you and your family when you need it most.”
Our Team
Emmet W. Lee, MD, FAAHPM
Dr. Lee was first drawn to the field of hospice and palliative medicine by a desire to provide his patients with the best possible continuity of care. He is committed to treating each of his patients as a whole person, a process that includes involving their families as active participants in the patient’s care.
Sabiha Pasha, MD, ABIM
In practice for over 22 years Dr. Pasha discovered palliative care in 2005. As Dr. Pasha says, ultimately, suffering is a part of life and having someone to hold your hand, even for a moment, can ease the pain. Palliative care is not rocket science, but it is the one las bastion where the art of healing lives on.
Nayana M. Trivedi, MD
Nayana M. Trivedi was inspired to become doctor seeing her physician father teaching medical students. She graduated as valedictorian from the University in India. She did her residency in Internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and became a board certified Internist.
Igor Sister, MD, MS, CMA, FACP
Dr. Sister received his education and medical degree from Ryazan State Medical University. He began his medical practice as an Internist, but a few years later, after relocating to Israel, he became interested in Geriatrics. Caring for seniors, overseeing their well being and aging process and understanding the challenges of dementia became a special focus and passion for Dr. Sister.
Edward Teare, NP
Edward holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the University of Toledo and a Masters Degree as an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. He is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has over eleven years of clinical experience.
Barbara Smith, FNP
Barbara Smith-Gercke holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rush University in Chicago, and an MSN/FNP from the University of San Diego. Barbara is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has over twenty years of experience
Brenda Patrick, MSN, NP
Brenda holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of California San Francisco and is also a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has an extensive background in clinical nursing care and leadership including surgical ICU,CCU, nephrology, hemodialysis and she has served as a pre and post kidney transplant coordinator.
Arianna M. Villa, MSN, FNP-C Palliative Care Program Director
Arianna spent the first thirteen years of her career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist before deciding to pursue her nursing degree. Eleven of these years were spent at UCSD Medical Center working with patients with chronic lung disease, pre/post lung transplant patients, and performing clinical research.