Deric Weiss

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare named Dr. Deric Weiss as its chief medical officer and clinical director.

Weiss stepped into the role after Dr. Kelly Erola, who served as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s CMO for eight years, moved into a part-time role that allows her more time with family, according to a news release.

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.

Gwen Whitley, LCFL president and CEO, stated in the release, “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 CMO, 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, according to the release.

"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," the release stated.

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, according to the release.