Joan Madison, M.D.

2003 Physician Award for Community Service

Dr. Madison, an allergist, retired from her practice at the Timberlane Medical Center in South Burlington in 1997, after having practiced in Vermont since 1964. When her husband, Dr. James F. Madison, fell ill to pancreatic cancer seven years ago, it was his wish that health care professionals and the public be better educated about the care of terminally-ill patients. Shortly after her husband’s death, another respected physician, Dr. Robert Deane of Burlington, also died of pancreatic cancer.

The two unfortunate deaths led Dr. Madison to create the Madison-Deane Initiative, a volunteer group that works to enhance end-of-life care. The program, which is part of the Visiting Nurse Association, brings internationally-known experts to Vermont to discuss quality of care at the end of life and pain control.

“Joan is a guiding light for the Madison-Deane Initiative Advisory Council. She has significantly contributed to the exciting growth of the Madison-Deane Initiative from its first lecture series in Sept. 1997 to the current launch of a palliative care education program,” said Dawn Stanyon, director of development and community relations at the VNA. The education program includes the publication of a palliative care resource guide for Chittenden and Grand Isle counties and an educational video.

“I’m deeply honored and I’m so pleased the topic of end-of-life care has become so important,” Dr. Madison said.

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