Dr. David Wensel, TRU Community Care’s Chief Medical Officer, has been selected by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) as the 2026 recipient of the Josefina B. Magno Distinguished Hospice Physician Award—one of the most respected honors in hospice medicine.
Each year, AAHPM presents this award to a hospice medical director or physician who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovative care, and unwavering dedication to patients and families. Dr. Wensel will receive the award on March 5, 2026, at the Annual Assembly for Hospice and Palliative Care in San Diego, California.
“Dr. Wensel embodies TRU’s mission,” said Samantha Black, Executive Vice President at TRU Community Care. “His commitment to high-quality, compassionate care is evident in everything he does.”
Dr. Wensel provides clinical leadership not only for TRU in Colorado but also for St. Paul’s Senior Services in San Diego. “David’s work connects our organizations and strengthens the care we provide to seniors and families in both San Diego and Colorado,” shared Michael McHale, President & CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Services. “We are honored to have him on our leadership team and thrilled to see his contributions recognized on a national stage.”
For Dr. Wensel, the award is a reflection of the teams behind the care. “Hospice and palliative medicine are team sports,” he said. “This recognition really belongs to our nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and so many others who show up every day to care for patients and families with compassion.”
We are grateful for Dr. Wensel’s leadership and proud to celebrate this significant national honor with him.