Homecare

Megan J. Thorvilson, MD, joined Nationwide Children’s in January 2026 as the hospice medical director, bringing a passion for pediatric hospice and palliative care, medical education and family-centered communication. After nearly a decade at Mayo Clinic Children’s, she and her family relocated to Columbus, drawn in large part by the opportunity to join Nationwide Children’s nationally recognized Hospice and Home-Based Palliative Care program. 

"What excited me most about this position was the chance to care for children and families where life happens, at home," Dr. Thorvilson said. "The ability to walk alongside families over time, supporting them through serious illness with an interdisciplinary team, is a tremendous privilege." 

Dr. Thorvilson is especially inspired by the breadth of the program and the way physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, child life specialists, massage therapists and music therapists work together to provide holistic care. She believes some of the most meaningful medicine happens through these relationships, whether helping families navigate complex medical decisions, managing symptoms that improve quality of life, or simply creating space for joy and connection during difficult seasons. 

As hospice medical director, she is excited to continue strengthening the program through thoughtful clinical innovation, education and scholarship while preserving the compassionate, family-centered culture that made the team so appealing from the start. She is grateful to be part of the Nationwide Children’s team and looks forward to continuing to learn from her colleagues and the remarkable children and families they serve.