RECIPIENTS OF THE CHPCA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Dr. Bernard Lapointe has been recognized by his peers as an outstanding Canadian who exemplifies a personal and professional commitment to the field of hospice palliative care in Canada. Dr. Lapointe is currently Director of the Palliative Care Division of Montréal’s Jewish General Hospital (MJH). Under his leadership, the MJH Palliative Care Division was the first North American centre designated as an integrated oncology-palliative care centre by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Dr. Lapointe’s other achievements have been no less impressive, and have ranged from local to international levels. In Montreal, he worked with a group of physicians in the mid 1980’s to establish an HIV/AIDS Clinique médicale l’Actuel where he worked until 1996, devoting his efforts specifically to pain management and hospice palliative care.

While maintaining a part-time practice at the Clinique médicale l’Actuel, Dr. Lapointe was appointed Chef du Bureau des services de soutien et de santé au Centre fédéral sur le sida. In this capacity, he was particularly active in the development of a Canada-wide community and end-of-life life care network for persons with HIV/AIDS. He was involved with the community group SIDA aide Montréal (CSAM) and was especially active in coordinating volunteer training He was also instrumental in the creation of the Joel Gregory Foundation, which directly supports access to psychotherapists for patients with HIV/AIDS. From 1985 to 1989, as a lecturer and author of a number of articles, he provided continuing medical training for Quebec physicians in psychological support and end-of-life needs for persons with HIV/AIDS. He further contributed to medical training in the position of associate clinical professor at McGill University, where he assumed responsibility for pre-doctoral teaching in palliative medicine (1996-1998). In 2003, Dr. Lapointe was a recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal from Her Majesty the Queen for his contribution to the cause of hospice palliative care in Canada. Dr. Lapointe’s achievements have made a difference in the quality of life for patients and their families facing a life threatening illness, and have positively impacted the hospice palliative care movement in Canada. The CHPCA congratulates Dr. Lapointe as a recipient of the Award of Excellence.

• medical director for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Palliative Care Program and for St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Program

• co-chair of the Canadian Network of Palliative Care for Children (CNPCC)

• section head of Palliative Care for the Dept. of Family Medicine at the University of Manitoba

• medical consultant for the Canadian Virtual Hospice

He’s also a computer geek!  He has 3 palliative-related websites that he has personally committed his time and funds to:

• palliative.info which is a resource site that links people to a variety of useful websites,

• the Manitoba palliative care nursing site and

• the Canadian network of palliative care for children.

Mike is an educator:

• he has developed countless teaching materials, protocols, and programs for undergrad medical students and residents, student nurses, and professionals in many disciplines

• he is a frequent speaker, workshop and poster presenter at a variety of conferences, both local and national.

• he has taught in the volunteer training program in his region for the past 10 years

Mike is a researcher and seeker of knowledge (for himself and for others):

• just completing a year’s sabbatical spent learning more about pediatric palliative care so that he can support the development of a new regional program in Winnipeg

• seems to be in considerable demand as a member of Nursing thesis committees

• has co-authored a number of articles, on topics ranging from considerations of dignity at the end of life to nutrition to surveillance

• and, true to his collegial approach, he willingly shares whatever he learns and develops with others

Mike is a volunteer:

• already mentioned are the websites he hosts and the volunteer training that he has done in his ‘spare’ time over many years

• he has also given his time to the Pallium project, Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians

Perhaps the best way to acknowledge  Mike is to quote from one of his letters of support for this award.  The author was choosing a panel to speak on end of life conversations: physical, psychological and spiritual considerations and goes on to say… “My selection (of the panel members) was based on 4 criteria. First, I wanted panellists who could teach in a way that made the material very accessible. Second, I looked for individuals who felt passionately about their work. Third was competence; they had to be a master of their craft, with a full command of their discipline. Finally - and perhaps an overarching requirement based on the first three criteria – the individual had to be someone I would choose to have as part of my care team in the event I personally was facing a terminal illness”… the name of Mike Harlos was at the very top of my list…

Dying is not something that any of us particularly look forward to. There is, however, great comfort in knowing that people like Dr. Mike Harlos are helping to shape the kind of care that awaits each of us at the end of life. The future of palliative care is indeed, in very capable hands.

• Since 2004, Physician Leader of the Educating Future Physicians in End-of-Life Care (EFPPEC) project. A collaborative strategy to bring palliative and end-of-life care education to all undergraduate medical students and clinical postgraduate trainees at Canada’s 17 medical schools

• Full Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and W. Gifford-Jones Professor Pain Control & Palliative Care at the University of Toronto

• National Hospice Palliative Care Association board member

• Founding member of the original National Palliative Care Foundation in Canada, founder of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, the Metropolitan Toronto Palliative Care Council and the Ontario Palliative Care Association

• Awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by the Governor General of Canada in May, 2003 for his work in hospice palliative care in Canada.

• Led the planning and implementation of HPCNet, a model demonstration project to provide interdisciplinary hospice palliative care

• Led the development of the Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training Program now jointly sponsored by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of Family Physicians of Canada

• Developed the largest family medicine residency training program in North America

• Member of many national committees, most recently the Health Canada Strategy on Palliative and End-of-Life Care

• Authored several articles for professional and academic journals and publications and the book “The Pain Manual: Principles and Issues in Cancer Pain Management”

• Keynote speaker and workshop presenter at over 300 provincial, national and international conferences

Dr. Librach’s accomplishments are best described by his nominators who state: “… Larry is one of the leading educators and mentors in hospice palliative care in Canada and internationally.  He has inspired and been a key leader in the development of the modern hospice palliative care movement and is loved by many and known to everyone, and, “… What distinguishes Larry from the many other tireless individuals who have worked in palliative care in this country is the number of others – professionals from across the disciplines, volunteers, and policy makers – who he has directly or indirectly inspired and supported in their contributions to hospice palliative care.”

2004 Recipient:  Jerry Rothstein

Ms. Gauvin’s achievements are many and among them include:

• In 1979 she co-founded the first palliative care unit in the French-speaking world at Montreal’s Hôpital Notre-Dame

• Assisted with the establishment of numerous palliative care teams throughout Quebec, New Brunswick, and Europe

• Co-founder of Palli-Ami, an organization that provides significant financial support to the palliative care unit at Hôpital Notre-Dame

• Recipient of the Order of Canada, 1997

• A member of the Knight of the National Order of the Legion of France

• Member of the organizing committee of the first Francophone international conference on palliative care held in Montreal in 1985

• Served on the scientific committees for both provincial and national hospice palliative care conferences ensuring that these conferences meet the training needs of volunteers

• Publishing books, abstracts, and journal articles for specialized journals

Ms. Gauvin’s accomplishments are best described by her nominators who state: “Since the foundation of the palliative care unit at Hôpital Notre-Dame, and throughout its evolvement, she has dedicated herself unfailingly to the heart and raison d’être of the unit: the patients, their needs, and their families’ needs.”

Across Canada, in every province and community, hundreds of committed and expert professionals and volunteers tirelessly give their energy to this specialized form of care that meets the physical, emotional and practical needs of terminally ill patients and their loved ones.

On Monday, October 7, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association recognized the exemplary efforts of three devoted hospice palliative care champions and professionals. The nominees for 2002 were Dr. Mike Harlos (Manitoba) , Mrs. Nancy Riow (Ontario), and Dr. Jose Pereira (Alberta). The 2002 Award of Excellence in Hospice Palliative Care was presented to a most deserving candidate; Dr. Jose Pereira, an exemplary medical visionary with a passion for advocacy and quality care for all citizens.

Dr. Pereira embodies the humanitarian spirit of the award. He champion’s quality end-of-life care eagerly both nationally and internationally in populated urban centres and remote rural communities. He is dedicated to educating new medical professionals and volunteers on hospice palliative care philosophy and practices. He actively supports Canadian research and is devoted to providing exceptional clinical care to his patients and their families.

Dr. Pereira’s achievements are many and among them include:

• Building rural capacity in palliative care by providing leadership, education and direct clinical mentorship

• Developing an on-line palliative care education program called the PALLIUM project that enables rural medical providers access to palliative care best practices and protocol

• Inspiring the development and implementation of the Regional Palliative Care Program in Alberta

• Teaching at the University of Alberta among other sites

• Publishing abstracts, journal articles and books including regular contributions to the Canadian Journal of Palliative Care Medicine and Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

• Chairing the Task Force on the Internet and Technology for the International Association of Hospice Palliative Care

• Participating as an Advisory Committee Member for the Canadian Virtual Hospice Project

• Caring for patients young and old ensuring dignity and support at the last stages of life

Dr. Pereira is admired by his peers; community and patients as a leader in the hospice palliative care movement in Canada and proves his dedication in classrooms, hospital rooms and boardrooms across the country.

Dr. Pereira’s accomplishments are best described by his nominators who state:

“His understanding of rural issues and ability to clearly collaborate with care providers from all disciplines has been beneficial to many in further enhancing the work of palliative care throughout Canada.”

“His circle of influence is extremely widespread and effective in facilitating change that is individual and meaningful.”

“Dr. Pereira’s kindness, compassion and understanding is reflected in his commitment and dedication to enhancing end of life care in Alberta and across Canada. He is a physician who truly displays personal integrity in the care of his patients and in the movement of hospice palliative care.”

The members of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association are honoured to announce this year’s Award of Excellence recipient, Dr. Jose Pereira.

2001 Recipient:  Laurie Anne O'Brien

In her 25-year career she has accomplished so much:

• Described by those who know her as a wise and knowledgeable nurse, a collaborative and energetic administrator and leader, a proficient educator and great humanitarian

• Co-founded the 1st Newfoundland palliative care program in the late 1970’s

• Co-founded and currently presides over the Newfoundland and Labrador Palliative Care Association

• Serves on the CHPCA Board of Directors including and has made significant contributions to initiatives such as National Standards, Communications Committee and the Quality End-Of-Life Care Coalition

• Works as a tireless ambassador of quality care for the end-of-life. Laurie Anne spends many hours teaching, speaking and advocating the right of all Canadians to equitable, quality end-of-life care

• Founded, chaired and or participated in numerous human service associations, among them: Palliative Care Leadership Team; Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology; Newfoundland Bereavement Association; and the Provincial Palliative Care Conference Committee.

2000 Recipient:  Dr. Balfour M. Mount

As I had been privileged to work beside Dr. Mount for a number of years, it was with a great deal of pleasure and emotion that I presented him with this proof of recognition on behalf of all members of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

As you are no doubt aware, Dr. Balfour Mount has made an outstanding contribution to the birth and development of palliative care in Canada. Dr. Mount studied medicine at Queen’s University and subsequently completed residencies in oncological urology at McGill University and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.

Dr. Mount’s interest in palliative care began in 1974 when he joined Dr. Cecily Saunders’s team at St. Christopher’s Hospice in London as visiting professor. Upon his return to Canada in late 1974, Dr. Mount established the first integrated palliative care unit in a North American hospital, namely, the palliative care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Through his relentless pioneering work, legendary dedication, and profound personal and professional qualities, the emerging field of palliative medicine and palliative care has evolved and received recognition both in Canada and abroad. His many publications and presentations as a visiting professor throughout the country and overseas have fostered a desire among thousands of caregivers and volunteers to make a concrete commitment to the terminally ill and their families, and to integrate his humanistic teaching into their practice.

All those who have had the privilege of working or studying with Dr. Mount have been profoundly marked by his compassion, his commitment to excellence in the professional act and in communication, and by his inexhaustible energy. Over the past decade, Dr. Mount established and held the first university chair in palliative care, namely, the Eric M. Flanders Chair at McGill University. He has also contributed significantly to the creation and development of our association.

Since 1976, he has acted as Chairman of the Congress on Care of the Terminally Ill held every second fall in Montreal. Over the years this Congress has become the foremost meeting place and discussion forum for all who work in the field of palliative care.

For all these reasons, and on behalf of all those who have been influenced by his commitment, profound humanism and pioneering work, I would like to honour and thank him for all his accomplishments to date, and for everything that he will accomplish in the future.

Dr. Bernard Lapointe, President of CHPCA

1999 Recipient:  Dr. Elizabeth Latimer

1998 Recipient:  Helen Bateman

1997 Recipient:  Ina Cummings