About Us

Medical Directors

314.872.5050 or 877.227.8718

St. Louis

Patrick White, MD
Patrick White, MD, chief medical officer for BJC Hospice, received his medical degree from The Ohio State College of Medicine and Public Health. He trained in internal medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis, and completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. White is one of the first physicians in the country to pursue a PhD in comparative effectiveness research focused on improving end-of-life care. He has been actively involved in clinical research to help reduce pain and nausea in patients with advanced cancer. He partnered with a leading researcher from the World Health Organization to design projects to reduce nausea in patients with advanced cancer with a goal to improve quality of life.

Dr. White was selected as one of the inaugural “Hospice and Palliative Medicine Inspirational Leaders Under 40” by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and he is one of seven physician leaders nationally selected for the inaugural Hospice Medical Director Leadership Council.

Bernie Shore, MD
Bernie Shore, MD, has been the medical director of BJC Hospice since 1987. He also is the team leader for the development of adult and pediatric hospice programs in Riga, Latvia. Dr. Shore has traveled to Riga three times since 1995 to help organize, teach and consult local medical personnel.

Dr. Shore graduated from Washington University School of Medicine in 1977, where he served his residency in internal medicine. He has been recognized in "Best Doctors in America" and "America's Top Doctors." Dr. Shore's medical practice is in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases. He is an associate professor in internal medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.

John A. Hoelscher, MD
John A. Hoelscher, MD, graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia medical school. He specializes in and is board certified in geriatrics, hospice and palliative medicine.

Dr. Hoelscher has been in practice since 1984. His office is part of the Riverbend Physicians and Surgeons group and is located on the Alton Memorial Hospital campus.

Jennifer Barbin, MD 
Jennifer Barbin, MD, graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and completed her residency in internal medicine at Forest Park Hospital and Kansas University Medical Center.

Dr. Barbin is a member of the Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Women’s Medical Association, San Juan Medical Society and American College of Physicians. She has been in practice since 2008 and is part of the BJC Medical Group, a well-established multi-specialty physician group.