About the Author
One of Debbie’s favorite hobbies is cruising- she has been on over 100 cruises
When it comes to thinking, talking about and writing about the world of death and dying, it’s one thing to have lived experience or knowledge of the medical world. Dr. Debra Parker Oliver, or Debbie to those who know, her has both.
Professional Expertise in Hospice Care
Debra Parker Oliver is the Ira Kodner, MD Endowed Chair in Supportive Care Research at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Formerly she was a full Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri where she also obtained both a Masters of Social Work and PhD.
Prior to getting her PhD, she was the founder of Hands of Hope Hospice in St Joseph, Missouri and served as a Hospice Director in two additional hospice programs for more than 20 years.
After earning her doctorate, Debbie continued her commitment to improving hospice care through research. She has authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters related to end-of-life and hospice care.
Debbie’s research has focused on hospice interdisciplinary team collaboration and intervention research to improve hospice caregiver health. She has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for over a decade in three Institutes (Aging, Nursing and Cancer). Debbie is a former member of the Board of Directors for American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), a former Associate Editor with Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
In addition to her publications, Debbie is a sought after speaker. She has been honored to share her story at numerous international, national, and regional meetings.
When the Professional Becomes Personal
Besides her professional credentials Debbie has a unique set of personal experiences.
She cared for her husband David Oliver for 4 years before he died as a Hospice patient in 2014.
She also cared for her mother Marilyn Wise, who died at Evelyn’s Hospice House in St Louis from Dementia in 2024.
In 2025 she cared for her father Raymond Parker, who died of congestive heart failure and dementia in KC Hospice House.
Debbie sat vigil in the final moments as three of the most influential people in her life moved beyond this world into the next.