Donnelle L. Crouse, DO

Hospice and Palliative Care

LVPG Clinicianinformation

Overview

Area of focus information

  • Hospice

Languages spoken

  • English

About

Philosophy of care

I treat every patient with the compassion, respect and dignity I would want for myself or a family member. I strive to ease suffering, promote comfort, listen carefully and communicate openly. It is a privilege to care for and support patients and their loved ones during a deeply personal time.

Why I entered medicine

I grew up surrounded by dedicated and compassionate physicians whose example sparked my interest in serving others. During college, an adviser encouraged me to pursue a career as a physician – a conversation that shaped the course of my life. As a surgeon, I found great fulfillment in caring for patients. Over the years I realized that the moments I made the greatest difference were often not in the operating room, but at the bedside – listening, guiding patients and families through difficult decisions, and simply being present. My own cancer diagnosis further transformed my perspective, deepening my appreciation for the emotional, physical and spiritual challenges that accompany serious illness. It reinforced my belief that caring for patients is about far more than treating disease. These experiences ultimately led me to hospice and palliative medicine, where I found the opportunity to build deeper relationships with patients and their families during some of life's most personal and difficult moments. 

Community involvement

Youth sports. Hope for Two, a group founded by three women diagnosed and treated for cancer while pregnant.

Personal interests

My interests include family gatherings, watching my kids play sports, cooking, live music, walking and hot yoga/reformer Pilates.

Education

Undergraduate
 Beaver College, Bachelor of Arts (BA), 1995

Medical School
 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), 1999

Training

Internship 2000
 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Residency 2004
 Surgery (General Surgery), Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Fellowship 2005
 Surgical Critical Care, University of California San Diego Medical Center, La Jolla, CA

Fellowship 2016
 Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA

Certifications

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery - Surgery (General Surgery)
American Osteopathic Board of Surgery - Surgical Critical Care
American Osteopathic Board of Surgery - Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Publications & Clinical Trials

View Scholarly Works