2020 INDUCTEE Harvey Max Chochinov, MD PhD Patient Care, Public Health, Health Promotion & Advocacy
March 9, 1958
(Winnipeg, Manitoba)
MD, University of Manitoba (1983)
PhD, University of Manitoba (1996)
2024: Distinguished Alumni Awards, The University of Manitoba
2024: International Psycho-Oncology Society Award Winner
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2024: Distinguished Alumni Awards, The University of Manitoba
2024: International Psycho-Oncology Society Award Winner
2023: Canadian Cancer Research Alliance Award
2021: European Association of Palliative Care Research, Clinical Impact Award
2015: Eduardo Bruera Award in Palliative Medicine, Canadian Society of Palliative Care
2015: Officer of the Order of Canada
2012: The FNG Starr Award, Canadian Medical Association
2011: Excellence in Scientific Research, American Association for Hospice and Palliative Medicine
2010: Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology
2008: O. Harold Warwick Prize, Canadian Cancer Society
2007: Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
2006: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
2004: Order of Manitoba
2002: Queen’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary Medal
2002: Tier I Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care
1996: Fellow, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
1987: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (Psychiatry)
Shaped the landscape of palliative care around the world
A Champion of Personalized and Dignified End of Life Care
Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of Oncology and Haematology, CancerCare Manitoba, is one of the world’s most innovative and influential proponents of improved and expanded palliative care across multiple dimensions of life-limiting or life- ending conditions. His pioneering work has significantly advanced effective recognition and treatment of end-of-life distress, depression, desire for death and vulnerability. In addition, his empirical research provides guidelines for psychosocial intervention and aiding individuals to die with dignity. Over his career, Dr. Chochinov has reached tens of thousands of people with the life affirming insights of Dignity Therapy.
Key Facts
Recognized worldwide as a leading expert in the psychosocial and spiritual impacts of terminal illness
His “Patient Dignity Question Study” was named one of Top Canadian Cancer Society Funded Research Stories of 2013
Co-edited the Handbook of Psychiatry in Palliative Medicine (Oxford University Press) and the Journal Palliative and Supportive Care (Cambridge University Press)
Published over 250 articles and has offered Dignity Therapy Training around the world
Governments around the world have sought his expertise on the issues of euthanasia and assisted suicide in institutionalized medical care
Remains committed to rigorous empiricism combined with profound humanity
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Chochinov’s widely respected and frequently cited work is helping to assure that our medical management of dying and death does not disregard alleviable pain nor violate the dignity of patients and their families. In addition, Dr. Chochinov’s efforts have enabled patients, families, and health care practitioners to have increased access to palliative care resources. Today, the Canadian Virtual Hospice is visited by more than 1.6 million people annually from some 200 countries worldwide, reaching people in remote and rural regions where access to palliative care is limited.
2024
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Dr. Chochinov publishes "Dignity in Care: The Human Side of Medicine"
Dignity in Care provides readers with knowledge about the humanity and tone of care, and how they can engage in these facets of care in a thoughtful and meaningful way that satisfies their patients' needs to be seen and appreciated as 'whole persons.'
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Harvey Max Chochinov inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Virtual Ceremony (Originally scheduled to take place in Vancouver, BC)
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In July of 2015, the Federal Government appointed Harvey Max Chochinov to chair the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada
Patient CareAfterwards, he was asked to appear as a witness to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
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Harvey Max Chochinov published, Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days with Oxford University Press
Patient CareThe book is a beautiful mediation of human mortality and a blueprint for the palliative intervention developed by Chochinov and his research colleagues.
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Recognized as an innovative leader in his field, Chochinov was named chair of the CIHR Standing Committee on Ethics
He remained in this position for the next seven years.
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The province of Manitoba and The University of Manitoba established a Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care
Chochinov was appointed to the position and grew the University into a centre of excellence of palliative care research.
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Dr. Chochinov co-founded the Canadian Virtual Hospice (CVH) and served as its chair for the next 16 years
Patient CareThe CVH became the world’s most comprehensive online platform providing information and support to patients, families and health providers on issues related to palliative care and bereavement.
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Upon completion of his PhD, Chochinov was appointed Professor in the Division of Palliative Care in the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Family Medicine
At the same time, he became a member of the Department of Community Health Sciences.
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Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov’s article on desire for death in the terminally ill was published
Patient CareThe article became one of the most highly cited papers in the history of The American Journal of Psychiatry.
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Returning to his home province, Dr. Chochinov became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at his alma mater
Within a few years, he was appointed Head of Clinical Services and Academic Affairs in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology.
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Harvey Chochinov graduated from medical school at the University of Manitoba
He then pursued further training with a fellowship in psychiatry at New York Hospital and Cornell Medical College.
1983
The reflection that patients see in the eye of the health care provider is the most likely thing to predict whether or not their dignity is intact.
Additional Resources:
- Journal of Palliative Medicine: Vol. 23, No 10 - Death, Dying and Dignity in the Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Canadian Virtual Hospice
- Dignity in Care: Canadian Virtual Hospice
- Is Canada trying to make medically assisted dying too easy?
- Visit | Canadian Virtual Hospice
- Visit | Dignity in Care
- The Platinum Rule: A New Standard for Person-Centered Care
- Better Patient Care Calls for a ‘Platinum Rule’ to Replace the Golden One
- Intensive Caring: Reminding Patients They Matter, Journal of Clinical Oncology
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