At Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), we believe in embracing tradition while harnessing innovation to deliver world-class healthcare to our residents. Last year, Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires, a seasoned senior care medicine expert, was appointed Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director.
Her decade-long tenure at CESLC is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence in senior healthcare. “Our philosophy is rooted in doing what’s right for our residents,” she asserts. It’s this unwavering dedication that fuels our mission and sets us apart. Our medical practice focuses on treating the whole person, not just a set of diagnoses.”
One of the hallmarks of CESLC is our comprehensive approach to medical care, conveniently available on our campus. Dr. Gil-Pires leads a team of seven physicians and two nurse practitioners, delivering world-class, person-centered care across the CESLC campus and at the Hirsh Health Center, a primary senior care medical practice open to the public. Our team specializes in treating older adults, ensuring that each resident receives the individualized attention they deserve. Moreover, we offer a range of medical consultants, from psychiatrists to dentists, optometrists, audiologists and dermatologists, further enhancing the quality of care we provide.
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in the five-star overall quality rating awarded to the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Moreover, our Hirsh Health Center goes above and beyond by welcoming Medicare patients and making house calls to residents, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and convenient for all.
What is distinctive about CESLC is our holistic approach to care. Dr. Gil-Pires emphasizes the importance of seeing residents as individuals, regardless of age. This philosophy permeates every aspect of our community, from skilled nursing care to independent living, assisted living, memory care and senior primary care. Our integrated model also ensures prompt attention to medical needs while promoting continuity of care and peace of mind for residents and their families.
Our commitment to serving seniors stems from a deep-rooted passion for making a difference in their lives. Dr. Gil-Pires’ journey, from her early experiences volunteering at a nursing home to her tenure at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, underscores an unwavering dedication to providing compassionate and exemplary care.
For Dr. Gil-Pires and her team, effective senior care hinges on understanding the individual narratives that shape each resident’s journey. “Every photograph adorning their walls tells a story,” she observes. “It’s about recognizing the richness of their experiences and tailoring care accordingly.”
Board-certified across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, geriatric medicine and palliative and hospice care, Dr. Gil-Pires brings a wealth of expertise to our residents. In her current role, she oversees clinical operations and drives initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for CESLC residents. Additionally, she serves as the site director for the NIH Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program, nurturing future leaders in senior care. Her passion to improve the lives of our seniors extends beyond CESLC. She serves on the Executive Board and as treasurer for the Mid-Atlantic Medical Directors Association (MMDA), the chapter of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (PALTC) representing Maryland, Delaware and Washington D.C. She also serves on PALTC’s House of Delegates.
As the healthcare landscape evolves and the demands of senior living continue to evolve, Dr. Gil-Pires remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. With her leadership guiding the way, CESLC stands poised to redefine the standard of care for aging adults, ensuring dignity, comfort and vitality in their golden years.
We also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires, who just last month completed her journey to become a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) through the Certifying Commission in Medical Management (CCMM). She started this process back in March 2020. Her commitment to mastering critical physician leadership skills reinforces her continuous pursuit of high standards and raising the bar and Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Thank you, Dr. Gil-Pires!
