Compassionate Care X2

Creating a seamless road for those with a life-limiting illness takes thoughtful planning and qualified people. As St. Francis Reflections continues its work in both palliative care and hospice there was a need to add professionals who truly bring the credentialed abilities but also have the heart of compassion for those we serve. In pursuit of these outstanding individuals St. Francis has welcomed two new physicians. 

“We are thrilled to have these two highly-regarded Hospice and Palliative Care physician specialists joining our team,” said Lauren Loftis, MD, Chief Medical Officer of St. Francis Reflections.  “In addition to their outstanding credentials and experience, they bring a strong desire to help fulfill our mission of uplifting lives by caring for our neighbors in Brevard.  They are both committed to highly personalized care for our patients and their families as they work in concert with our interdisciplinary care teams to reflect life, love and compassion in all that we do,” added Loftis.

Dr.  Vanessa Gallegos came to us from Bismarck, ND where she worked as a Palliative Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician at Mid Dakota Clinic.  Dr. Gallegos is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and board eligible in Hospice and Palliative medicine.  She is a graduate of Tufts University and earned her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Gallegos completed her residency at Harvard Medical School/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and her Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Dr. Gallegos has authored numerous publications and has served as a presenting physician speaker at medical conferences throughout the United States.  She is an active member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Dianne Knight has a tenured medical career spanning more than thirty-five years focusing on Pediatrics and Pediatric Palliative Care, including her former role as Medical Director and Hospice Physician with Cornerstone Hospice.

Dr. Knight is dual board certified in Pediatrics and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and earned her medical degree from University of Miami, Miller School for Medicine in Miami. Dr. Knight completed her residency in pediatrics at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Dr. Knight holds professional association memberships in the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Knight is also a United State Navy Veteran.

At St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care, Brevard’s longest serving not-for-profit hospice and palliative care provider we consider every day how to better uplift the lives of both patients and families. Drs. Gallegos and Knight will enhance and uplift care to our neighbors in Brevard County. Welcome them by sending a greeting to foundation@reflectionslsc.org.