About

Specialized medical care and training in a team-based environment

The Division of Palliative Medicine provides specialized medical care for people with serious, advanced illness. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for people living with or dying from advanced illness, as well as for their families. Division members are actively engaged in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education, and in research pertinent to patients and their families.

Subspecialty and undergraduate education

The Division of Palliative Medicine currently offers a two year Royal College Subspecialty Residency Training Program in Palliative Medicine which was introduced in 2018.

A one year postgraduate Family Medicine Enhanced Skills in Palliative Medicine residency program has been available to physicians with certification from the College of Family Practce of Canada coordinated by the Department of Family Medicine with training through the Division of Palliative Medicine.

In undergraduate education, palliative medicine is an important component of the Dalhousie MD program. Clinical clerks may participate in care of patients and families as active members of the palliative medicine team, and in the ongoing activities of the program.

Clinical research

Our division is actively engaged in many clinical and research projects in cancer care, COPD, and the integrated care of patients by the emergency and palliative medicine teams. Our work also includes quality and patient safety initiatives aimed at improving end of life experiences for patients.