Meet our Medical Director, Dr. Lawrence LaPalio, a man with a calm and peaceful presence and with an adventurous soul. He wears many hats: a husband, a father to three children, a grandpa to four grandchildren, a sailor, a card player, doctor and mentor. The list can go on.
Dr. LaPalio was born and raised in Logan Square – Chicago. He graduated High school from Lane Tech and would frequent Riverdale Amusement Park during and after school hours.
Dr. LaPalio attended Medical School at St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO. He completed his Residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago Medical Center. Then completed Advanced training in Medical Education before founding The Geriatrics Program at Loyola University Medical Center. He also worked at several hospitals during his career such as McNeil Hospital and LaGrange Hospital. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Care.
Dr. LaPalio also held the position as the Head of Geriatrics in a big medical practice with 5 clinics and 12 doctors and wanted to expand his arena and work as a Medical Director for a local hospice. That’s where he found his retirement passion at Angels Grace Hospice. “Hospice is so gratifying and fulfilling. People that are in the last stage of their life are in the greatest attention and care. Some doctors think of death as a failure, but hospice gives the dying patient the attention they need. It feels good to help people at the end of their life.”
As Dr. LaPalio enjoys his retirement, he has become a card shark in his down time. He plays virtual bridge during the COVID pandemic and was taught by his brother who is a professional bridge instructor. He is now a Life Master.
Another hobby of Dr. LaPalio is sailing. He and his wife have been sailing for 30-40 years. Cruising on the Great Lakes, The East Coast and along with Intracoastal Waterway to make their way to Florida. He and his wife have sailed 2 years in the Caribbean. They recently sold their Sailboat and 50 ft Trawler and will becoming sailboat renters.
Dr. LaPalio has been one of our Angels for 5 years now. “At AGH, we have an exceptional and experienced team. We give a service for people that are dying. This is the best hospice I have ever worked at.” He has lived a fulfilling life helping others.
We cannot thank Dr. LaPalio enough for all the hard work he has done for our patients and their families. Thank you.