Meet Our 2025 ESPRIT Award Winner: Dr. Eugene Perlov

A VNS Health Hospice Team Physician, Dr. Eugene Perlov leads two interdisciplinary hospice teams in the Bronx. In his more than two decades of dedicated service at the organization, Eugene has helped guide adult and pediatric patients and their families through some of life’s most challenging moments.

“Hospice builds a safe space during a vulnerable time,” he says. “We work to bring comfort, transforming stress into growth, and offer steady presence and support to both patients and their loved ones.”

Eugene blends clinical expertise with a profound sensitivity to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of end-of-life work. In conversations with families, he sets clear expectations while honoring their experience.

“We remind the family that they’re doing an incredible job in a very hard time,” he says. “My goal is to help them find peace and move toward acceptance.”

Colleagues describe Eugene as a thoughtful listener and a creative problem-solver, especially in complex pain management cases. “He considers the full picture—clinical, psychosocial, and spiritual—and collaborates on out-of-the-box solutions,” says a team member who has worked with Eugene for five years.

“His guiding principle is always to do what’s right for the patient,” notes another colleague.

Eugene’s integrity and patient-centered philosophy were recently recognized through his election to the VNS Health Ethics Committee. He also prioritizes team support, regularly debriefing staff after difficult cases and offering calm, confident guidance. “His communication style fosters trust and reassurance,” the colleague adds.

Eugene’s mentorship has had a lasting impact, empowering team members to grow professionally and practice at the top of their license. At the same time, he remains humble about his role. “I’ve been doing this a long time,” he explains. “I’m just glad I can offer support.”

Recognizing that hospice care is never a solo endeavor, Eugene has a heartfelt appreciation of his colleagues and deeply values their resilience and compassion. When notified of his ESPRIT Award, his first thought was of the team he works alongside every day.

“I’m honored to receive this award—and I share this recognition with the entire team,” he says. “They are truly deserving, showing up with heart and commitment, even in the most challenging situations. We can only do this difficult work as a team, with collaboration, mutual respect and support.”