Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Names New CEO

JUNE 28, 2024

WILMINGTON, NC – Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (LCFL) is pleased to announce it has named Deric Weiss, MD, ACP, as its new Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Director. Weiss is stepping into the role after Dr. Kelly Erola, who served as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s Chief Medical Officer for eight years, moves into a part-time role that allows her more time with family.

Weiss joined LCFL in 2020. He has since served as an outpatient physician to hospice and palliative care home patients and as Medical Director at its inpatient hospice care center, Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, in Wilmington. Weiss was recently named 2024 Physician of the Year by the Association for Home and Hospice Care in NC.

“We are thrilled to announce Dr. Deric Weiss as our new Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Director,” said Gwen Whitley, LCFL president and CEO. “Dr. Weiss has proven himself to be a huge asset to our organization through the compassionate care he provides patients and families, and by sharing his expertise in symptom management with LCFL team members, area hospitalists and community physicians. He is known for always advocating for putting patients’ needs first, which makes him an excellent fit for this role.”

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Weiss will set standards for medical services provided by Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, as well as provide medical direction and guidance to its team members and volunteers. The role functions as senior medical liaison between LCFL, regional medical professionals and the community-at-large to build effective relationships to inform about LCFL’s medical services, including hospice and palliative care, and LifeCare Memory Partners.

In this position, Dr. Weiss will also provide clinical expertise at medical staff rounds or meetings with affiliated facilities. He will operate as a member of LCFL’s executive leadership team, making policy recommendations to shape the overall strategic direction and vision to fulfill the nonprofit’s mission.

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to the highest quality LifeCare, education, and supportive services to our patients, their families, and the communities we serve. For more information, visit lifecare.org.