Profile: Kathleen Schwarz, MD

Division of General, Geriatric, Palliative & Hospital Medicine
FELLOW PROFILE: Kathleen (“Kate”) Schwarz, MD

I’m from upstate New York; my first stay in Charlottesville was for residencies in psychiatry and internal medicine. After five years here, my personal life took me to coastal Maine, where I raised my children and practiced medicine in a variety of settings. I gained experience in geriatrics and palliative care, and pursued interests in bioethics and public health. I always dreamed of returning to Charlottesville; that opportunity presented itself when I was accepted as a fellow in the Palliative Care program.

Why palliative medicine?  Why UVA?

Palliative medicine seemed like a natural choice because it allowed me to draw on my previous interests and experience. I looked at many palliative fellowship programs, and what I liked about UVA’s is that palliative is embedded in general medicine, along with geriatrics and hospitalist medicine. And I admire the innovative spirit and dedication of Leslie Blackhall and Josh Barclay; others at UVA have inspired my work in bioethics and public health.

It is especially meaningful to have a hand in training young doctors in the place where I first practiced medicine. I want to help maintain their idealism, compassion and professionalism. And I enjoy working with the medical students immensely; they are the ages of my children so I can relate, but I’m not ultimately responsible for them.

Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?

Surviving four teenagers! My children were close enough in age that, for a period of time, they were all in their teens at the same time. They are now all in their 20s, and living successfully on their own.

What are you usually doing on the weekend or in your spare time?

Right now I’m finishing up graduate work in public health and bioethics. The minute I’m done, I have a Golden Retriever puppy to meet.

How did you meet your partner?

I picked him up cheap on e-Bay. Seriously, we found each other after widowhood (him) and divorce (me). He has run over 40 marathons, so I figured he could put up with me. He is the only reason I can remotely function in a world dominated by computers.

Most admired person, and why?

It is an honor to work with Leslie Blackhall, who takes no prisoners when it comes to her convictions about caring for patients. I also admire Daniel Callahan, founder of the Hastings Center.

Best advice?

The first is from a sign on someone’s front yard in Waynesboro: “Worry ends where faith begins.” The second: “Leadership is disappointing people at a rate they can absorb.“

What about you would surprise us?

I have remained extremely healthy by not over-exerting myself athletically in any way. The spandex is a disguise.