Wurzweiler School of Social Work is shining a spotlight on Gary L. Stein, JD, MSW, a distinguished leader in palliative care, gerontology, and LGBTQ+ health whose work continues to shape national conversations on equity and compassionate care.
As a Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a tenured member of both the MSW and Doctoral Programs, Dr. Stein has dedicated his career to advancing ethical, inclusive, and person‑centered approaches to serious illness care. He is the Director of Wurzweiler’s Gerontology and Palliative Care Programs and the Director of Continuing Education. He provides valuable guidance to students, clergy, and practicing social workers in developing the skills needed to serve diverse aging populations.
In his portfolio, Dr. Stein serves as Principal Investigator of Project Respect, a landmark national study examining the experiences of seriously ill LGBTQ+ patients and their partners. His recent publications in Health Affairs Scholar, the Journal of Palliative Medicine, and Palliative and Supportive Care and multiple conference presentations highlight urgent gaps in care and offers pathways toward more affirming clinical practice and policies. Prof. Stein recently presented findings from Project Respect at the LGBTQ+ Health Workforce Conference, alongside Fordham University’s Dr. Cathy Berkman. His work continues to elevate the voices and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals navigating serious illness care.
This year, Dr. Stein was appointed as an External Advisor to the ASCENT Palliative Care Consortium, a major NIH‑funded initiative uniting researchers across the country to strengthen palliative care. His expertise in ethics, law, and LGBTQ+ health brings a vital perspective to this national effort.
Dr. Stein’s contributions have been recognized through:
- The Health and Aging Policy Fellowship
- A Fulbright Specialist Program Award
- The Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network Career Achievement Award
These honors reflect his enduring commitment to advancing compassionate, equitable care for all.
Dr. Stein’s leadership, scholarship, and advocacy continue to inspire our community. Wurzweiler is excited to celebrate his achievements and even more excited to see what comes next as he continues shaping the future of palliative care and health equity.
