Lakehead U’s Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate Program Wins National Award
(Thunder Bay - June 13, 2005) The Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate Program has recently been honoured by the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education (CAUCE) in the local/regional Programs category.
These awards recognize excellence in university continuing education programs in Canada, and nurture the concept of scholarship of practice inherent in the program development process. The competition is adjudicated by a committee of professional peers from across Canada, and a winner is selected from three categories: local/regional, national, and international. A program in the local/regional category draws on local resources and is primarily aimed at a local/regional audience, although it may attract students from farther away through technologies.
The goal of the Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate Program is to promote the provision of excellent care to people who are chronically and terminally ill, and to their families. This is achieved through education about palliative care, its history, theories, and best practices. The program is for both current students in university as well as professionals in health and social care. The certificate can be obtained via distance education through Lakehead U's Office of Continuing Education and Distributed Learning (CEDL), and it is the only university-credit program of its kind in Canada.
"This recognition by CAUCE is wonderful because we do have something here that is very special and unique," says Professor Mary Lou Kelley, a faculty member of Lakehead's School of Social Work, and coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate Program. "This award recognizes innovation, and our program is innovative and collaborative. We draw on the expertise from people within the field of palliative care. Our community partners work with us to ensure we have a truly interdisciplinary approach to palliative care education."
The certificate for this program may be obtained either on its own through part-time or distance education, or students may incorporate the four required half credits within the program in which they are currently enrolled.
"We are very proud of this recognition," says Gwen Wojda, Director, Continuing Education and Distributed Learning, Lakehead University. "Programs such as the Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate help us reach out to people both on-and-off campus, allowing individuals to complete the program at their own pace and in a fashion which works best with their life. The CAUCE recognition demonstrates the excellence of the program, its method of delivery, and its ability to reach so many students."
Mary Lou Kelley and Gwen Wojda are available for interview by calling Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, at 807-343-8177.
The Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) is a professional association of deans, directors, senior administrative personnel and practitioners whose professional careers are in university continuing education in Canada.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113