WASHINGTON – The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) and Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO, were honored with a Fierce 50 Award at the 2024 Fierce 50 Awards Gala in New York City on December 5. Hosted by Fierce Life Sciences and Fierce Healthcare, the event celebrated fifty trailblazers—individuals and organizations driving transformative change in healthcare, biopharma, and biotech. NPHI and Tom were recognized in the Innovation category for a bold commitment to healthcare innovation and for leadership in hospice, palliative, and advanced illness care through NPHI’s network of mission-driven, nonprofit providers.
The Fierce 50 honorees embody dedication and creativity, shaping the future of their industries while championing equity, innovation, and care for underserved populations—all core components of NPHI’s mission. These bold thinkers, trailblazers, and change-makers refuse to accept the status quo, united by their relentless pursuit of progress. Whether revolutionizing patient care or pioneering groundbreaking therapies, they are creating new opportunities for their organizations, patients, caregivers, and society at large. Their work is often risky, always forward-thinking, and driven by a passion for turning big ideas into tangible results while staying one step ahead of the challenges they face.
Here’s what Fierce had to say about the Innovation honorees: “This year’s Innovation honorees are visionaries, risk-takers and disruptors who refuse to accept the status quo and are united by their pursuit of progress.”
“It was such an honor to be in New York to celebrate this outstanding achievement, and to be surrounded by other major innovators across healthcare,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO who gave an acceptance speech. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our nonprofit members in setting standards of quality for hospice and end-of-life care. It was inspiring to share the evening with leaders who, like us, are deeply committed to transforming healthcare to better serve patients, families, and communities.”
The gala also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Beyond the Status Quo: Insights from the Fierce 50,” where leading experts shared their perspectives on breaking barriers, the importance of health equity, and driving innovation in healthcare. Panelists such as Dr. Peter Lee, President of Microsoft Research, and Dr. Kevin Bennett, President of the National Rural Health Association, provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of care.
“The annual Fierce 50 special report highlights individuals and companies that are driving progress in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and biotechnology industries,” said Ayla Ellison, Editor-in-Chief of Fierce Life Sciences and Healthcare. “These 50 outstanding organizations and people demonstrate excellence in their fields, and their commitment to innovation, equity and improving lives is truly commendable. Congratulations to this year’s honorees.”
For NPHI, this recognition serves as both an honor and an inspiration to continue advocating for a healthcare system that places compassionate, equitable care for patients and families at the forefront.
Click here to read the report.
