Bob McNellis
Bob McNellis, MPH, PA, is Senior Advisor for Primary Care at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). In this position he serves as a technical expert on primary care delivery with a particular focus on the dissemination and implementation of interventions to improve the delivery of primary care. He also serves as a medical officer, providing scientific and dissemination support to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Prior to joining AHRQ in 2012, McNellis served as Vice President for Science and Public Health at the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). He was responsible for advising and leading AAPA on important issues in clinical medicine, biomedical science, quality care, medical education, public health and health policy. In 2003 he completed a fellowship in primary health care policy through the U.S. DHHS. He was a faculty member at The George Washington University Physician Assistant Program, serving most recently as the Director of Research.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
