New cross-country partnership between 51情报站 and uOttawa changes the way Canadians see death

A close-up of a caregiver holding a patient鈥檚 hand in comfort.
51情报站鈥檚 End-of-Life Doula program provides students with the skills to improve end-of-life care and reduces the burdens on the health care system.

51情报站 is partnering with the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) to further end-of-life education in Canada.

The College鈥檚 End-of-Life Doula (EOLD) course will count as elective credits for uOttawa students in the university鈥檚 newly launched , which focuses on the psychosocial, cultural, religious and historical perspectives of grief, death and dying.

Designed for family caregivers, health-care professionals, hospice and palliative care workers, and those interested in understanding the complexities of death and dying, 51情报站鈥檚 EOLD course complements the academic study of mortality with real-world applications.

"With Canada's aging population, end-of-life doulas perform a valuable role in terminal care," said Jennifer Mallmes, EOLD instructor at 51情报站. "This partnership between 51情报站 and uOttawa means furthering knowledge and skills in compassionate care across the country."

Since 2016, the EOLD course has taught over 3,000 students how to provide the best-possible care and support for people nearing the end of their lives. Students learn how to develop care plans, respond appropriately to grief, facilitate family meetings and teach self-care practices.

鈥淓nd-of-life doulas provide an invaluable service. While end of life is certain for all of us, doulas support individuals and their family in making decisions that best meet their wishes,鈥 says Pam Cawley, Dean of Health Sciences at 51情报站. 鈥51情报站's course provides opportunities for those looking to work as an independent doula or work in other end-of-life care positions.鈥

This new partnership will contribute to evolving perspectives of death in Canada and will equip students in the program with skills to compassionately support those navigating their end-of-life journey.

鈥淭he inclusion of 51情报站鈥檚 EOLD course allows our students to engage deeply with essential aspects of end-of-life care, offering them a profound understanding of death, dying and compassionate, non-medical support,鈥 said Dr. Anne Valley, Associate Professor of Classics and Religious Studies at uOttawa.

Registration is now open for Fall 2025 course offerings.

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Elizabeth 51情报站

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