Honoring the Life & Legacy of Dr. John Mulder

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John Mulder, former Medical Director of Faith Hospice and Executive Director of Trillium Institute.

Dr. Mulder was a visionary leader in the field of palliative medicine, serving as a compassionate physician, mentor, colleague, and friend to many. His tireless dedication to the advancement of palliative care and unwavering commitment to his patients have left an enduring legacy that will continue to make an impact for generations to come.

Dr. Mulder began his work in hospice and palliative medicine in 1984 and was certified as a specialist in this field in 2000. Known for his incredible compassion as a physician and passion as a professor, he has taught at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where he served as Director of the Division of Palliative Care.

Dr. Mulder also served as the director of the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Homecare & Hospice Association, and chaired the ethics committee at Corewell Health and University of Michigan Health-West (formerly Metro Health) in Grand Rapids. He had also served on the Michigan Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management and testified in front of the US House of Representatives during deliberations related to the opioid crisis. In 2019, he was honored as the recipient of the Palliative Medicine Community Leadership Award by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

While the titles and recognition are numerous, the real legacy of Dr. Mulder lies in the work he has done advocating for palliative care and empowering patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Dr. Mulder firmly believed in the power of palliative care and advocated for dignity, comfort, and choice for those facing some of life’s most challenging moments. Through his work at the Trillium Institute and beyond, he has left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Dr. Mulder will truly be missed, but his immeasurable legacy will surely live on and continue to impact people across the country.

To review Dr. Mulder’s obituary, please click here:

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/john-mulder-obituary?id=58316012