Dr. Cynthia X. Pan, MD, FACP, AGSF

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Inspiring and Uplifting Colleagues and Patients

Dr. Pan, a distinguished leader in the fields of internal medicine, geriatrics, and hospice and palliative medicine, has been making significant contributions to patient care and medical education since she began her practice in 1997. Currently serving as the Associate Program Director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship and Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for older adults and those facing serious illnesses.

About her educational pursuits, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University and her medical degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York. She completed her internship and residency at the University of Rochester and further specialized in geriatrics through a fellowship at Harvard Medical School Division on Aging. Her extensive training and experience have led her to achieve board certifications in internal medicine, geriatrics, and hospice and palliative medicine.

In her role as the founding director of the Palliative Care Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (NYPQ), Dr. Pan has positively impacted thousands of seriously ill patients and their families. Her leadership has fostered a fully interdisciplinary Palliative Care team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals. She is also committed to enhancing medical education, evidenced by her successful GOComm training initiative, which empowers clinicians with communication skills vital for serious illness discussions.

Since December 2018, she has served as the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) and Director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at NYPQ, where she has focused on making residency training a transformative experience for aspiring physicians. Her innovative strategies have strengthened GME infrastructure and enhanced the engagement of residents and faculty alike.

Beyond her administrative and educational roles, Dr. Pan is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Geriatrics Society. She actively participates on the Board of Directors for the Chinese American Medical Society and is a member of the Association of Chinese American Physicians.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Pan quickly mobilized resources to support frontline clinicians, disseminating essential palliative care tools and sharing her experiences to educate both medical professionals and the public. Her efforts underscore her commitment to optimizing palliative care and transitional care for patients facing serious illnesses.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Pan is passionate about her interests, which include spending quality time with her family, traveling, dancing, reading, and exploring the rich cultural tapestry of New York City’s neighborhoods. Fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and advocacy. She has presented at national and international forums, raising awareness of geriatrics and palliative care issues. 

In November 2024, Dr. Pan is set to release her highly anticipated book, “Exit Strategies: Living Lessons from Dying People.” With it, she aims to share essential lessons learned from her patients, furthering her mission to improve the quality of life for individuals confronting serious health challenges.

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