She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Medicine, and Palliative Medicine. She co-directs the UNC Palliative Care Program, a collaborative interdisciplinary program to promote clinical service, education and research in palliative care. She serves as a Clinical Coordinator for the Nursing Home Quality Improvement team at The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence in Cary. Her research and teaching emphasize approaches to decision-making for frail elders and for residents in nursing homes, and strategies to define and promote high quality care. Through her teaching, research, advocacy, and practice, Dr. Hanson’s career is devoted to the care of the elderly and those at the end of their lives.