HomeCare & Hospice Welcomes New Medical Director: “Care, Not Cure” Defines Hospice
Dr. Thayaparan “Dr. Matt” Mathanakaran steps into leadership role, continuing a legacy of compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care.
ALLEGANY - Community Care of Western New York, dba HomeCare & Hospice, is pleased to announce that Dr. Thayaparan Mathanakaran, MD, has assumed the role of Medical Director effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Mathanakaran succeeds Dr. Gilbert Witte, who retired on December 31, 2025 following years of dedicated service and leadership. Known to colleagues and care teams as Dr. Matt, he has served as a hospice physician with the organization since 2020.
Dr. Matt is a familiar and trusted presence within HomeCare & Hospice. His long-standing commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and his deep understanding of hospice philosophy position him well to guide the organization’s medical direction in the years ahead.
“Dr. Matt brings an exceptional blend of clinical expertise, calm leadership, and heartfelt compassion,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice and Community Care of Western New York. “He has walked alongside our patients, families, and care teams for many years, and we are confident he will build upon Dr. Witte’s legacy while helping us continue to grow, innovate, and lead with integrity.”
“It’s an honor to step into this role and continue the legacy Dr. Witte built,” said Dr. Mathanakaran. “Hospice care is about honoring life by preserving comfort, dignity, and choice, even when cure is no longer possible. I look forward to supporting our care teams as we continue to serve patients and families with compassion and honesty.”
In addition to his work with HomeCare & Hospice, Dr. Matt has maintained a diverse and distinguished medical career spanning family medicine, emergency medicine, and primary care. He currently practices family medicine with Olean Medical Practice, PLLC, an affiliate of Kaleida Health, and previously served for more than 17 years in the emergency department at Olean General Hospital. Dr. Matt will remain with Olean Medical Group, continuing to see established patients alongside his new role as Medical Director. To accommodate his expanded responsibilities, he will reduce his hours at the practice and is not currently accepting new patients.
His experience includes managing complex medical cases, mentoring physicians, and participating in hospital committees focused on quality improvement.
Dr. Matt completed his residency in family medicine at the University at Buffalo with a special emphasis on adult and geriatric medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Kasturba Medical College at Manipal Academy of Higher Education and holds board certification in family medicine, as well as Hospice Medical Director Certification.
As Medical Director, Dr. Matt will provide clinical oversight, support interdisciplinary care teams, and help guide ethical, high-quality medical care for hospice patients and families across the region.
“A good death is not about giving up, it’s about shifting our focus from cure to care,” Dr. Mathanakaran said. “When we manage pain, support families, and communicate openly, we help people live fully through the final chapter of life. Everyone deserves comfort, clarity, and respect at the end of life.”
HomeCare & Hospice extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Witte for his years of service and leadership and looks forward to this next chapter under Dr. Matt’s guidance.
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About HomeCare & Hospice: HomeCare & Hospice, a service of Community Care of Western New York, provides compassionate home health, hospice, and supportive care services to individuals and families throughout the region, helping people live with dignity, comfort, and choice. For more information, call 716-372-2106, visit homecare-hospice.org, or email snegron@homecare-hospice.org.