Posted on May 7: Fifth annual Carl Moore Lecture on Facing Death, Embracing Life takes place tonight

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/david_kuhl-opt.jpg” caption=”David Kuhl”]David Kuhl, a palliative care physician with Providence Health Care in Vancouver, will present the fifth annual Carl Moore Lecture in Primary Care tonight (May 7).

The public lecture, hosted by the Department of Family Medicine, will take place at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce at 5 p.m.

The lecture will be followed by a reception, book signing and palliative care displays by Hamilton area organizations. Kuhl will participate in several academic activities with faculty, students and residents during his visit. The events coincide with Palliative Care week, associated with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Through his experience as a palliative care physician and the experiences shared by patients living with terminal illness, Kuhl has strived to better understand the physical, psychological, and spiritual realities of the end of life.

Kuhl, who has provided care for persons at the end of life for the past 15 years, received his medical degree from McMaster University in 1985.

He has written a book, What Dying People Want, Practical Wisdom for the End of Life (Doubleday, Canada), based on the results of his research, work experience, and training in palliative medicine. The book offers practical guidance and support, and a poignant message about finding new life in the process of dying.

Senator Sharon Carstairs, who has long championed the cause of palliative care, will be a discussant at the lecture.

In 2001, Prime Minister Chritien gave Carstairs a special responsibility for palliative care. She currently assists health minister Anne McLellan in supporting the federal government's interest in the development of palliative care to ensure that palliative care is meeting the needs of Canadian patients, families and caregivers. This new appointment was a major step forward in the federal government's commitment to quality end-of-life care in Canada.

The lectureship honours Carl Moore, professor emeritus, who retired from McMaster in 1997. Each year, the lectureship is awarded to an individual who has made a contribution to the understanding or development of primary care as a researcher, educator, analyst, an advocate or policy maker. Last year's lecture was delivered by Wendy Orr, a general practitioner from South Africa, who spoke on ethics and human rights in medical practice.

The lecture takes place at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce (Royal Hamilton Yacht Club), 555 Bay St. N., Hamilton, and will be followed by a reception, book signing, and palliative care displays. The lecture begins at 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information call 905-521-2100 ext. 76189 or e-mail karwalt@mcmaster.ca.