Disrupting Death

CAMAP & the choreography of MAiD: Disrupting Death with Dr. Konia Trouton

 
In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn lean in to learn from Dr. Konia Trouton, BSc MD CCFP MPH FCFP, about the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) [https://camapcanada.ca/] and providing MAiD in non-medical settings. 
Dr. Trouton is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Practice at UBC, and a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at University of Toronto. She completed medical training at the Queen’s University in 1990, residency in Calgary and is a Master of Public Health through Harvard University. She has been committed to social justice and patient choice throughout her career.
Dr Trouton has worked in several provinces and territories in public health and reproductive care. She participates in many research and teaching initiatives. In 2016, she added MAiD to her practice as an assessor and provider. She co-founded the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) and is the current President. She is involved in the development and leadership of several regional and national initiatives in MAiD, including the Canadian MAiD Curriculum.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Coroners and Medical Assistance in Dying: Disrupting Death with Dr. Dirk Huyer

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri-Lyn have the privilege of learning about the role of the Office of the Chief Coroner in medical assistance in dying (MAiD) from Dr. Dirk Huyer, Chief Coroner for Ontario since March of 2014.
Dr. Huyer received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1986. He has served as a coroner in Ontario since 1992, serving as Regional Supervising Coroner between 2008 and 2013. He has been directly involved in over 5,000 coroner’s investigations.
Dr. Huyer has specific expertise in the medical evaluation of child maltreatment and has worked with the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Program at the Hospital for Sick Children. He is also an Assistant Professor with the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto.
Since early 2016, Dr. Huyer has been actively involved in Ontario’s response to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). He led the implementation of the reporting and oversight process followed by the Office of the Chief Coroner. Dr. Huyer has continued involvement with MAiD, bringing perspective of the post-death review process to policy tables and professional meetings. The approach to MAiD deaths has continued to evolve under Dr. Huyer’s leadership, with successful implementation of a team of specialised nurse investigators dedicated to MAiD review and oversight, along with a recent enhancement of the review process through the newly formed MAiD Death Review Committee.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and an End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life and for those who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

MAiD in the Media and in Rural Communities: Disrupting Death with Dr. Julia Brassolotto

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri chat with Dr. Julia Brassolotto about rural healthcare challenges and how media shapes our perceptions. Don't miss this insightful conversation! 
Julia Brassolotto is an Associate Professor in the Public Health program at the University of Lethbridge. She is a qualitative researcher and a social scientist. Her research program looks at care for older adults, with a focus on continuing care, community, and end-of-life contexts. Broadly, her research interests include aging and care work, death and dying, social determinants of health, and health care ethics.
Julia began learning about MAiD during her M.A. in Philosophy and Bioethics. During her Ph.D. in Health Policy and Equity, she became interested and engaged in health services research. Years later, these interests converged, and she led a SSHRC-funded project on MAiD in rural Alberta. Findings from that study are available at www.maidinsights.com. She is the Principal Investigator of a new SSHRC Insight project that will use a feminist political economy lens to examine notions of autonomy and vulnerability in MAiD discourse and practice.
For additional information about Dr. Brassotto’s work, please click on the links below:
Project website: www.maidinsights.com
Publications on MAiD: https://www.maidinsights.com/publications
Recent press: https://www.mylethbridgenow.com/45634/news/u-of-l-researchers-receive-insight-and-insight-development-grants/
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life, and for those who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Digital Stories Part 3: MAiD Family Support Society

In the final part of this three-part episode, hosts Kathy and Keri speak with Krystle Scofield and Maureen Leier, facilitators of the digital story workshops. We also hear from six participants who created digital stories about their experiences accompanying someone on their MAiD journey. These participants were recruited by MAID Family Support Society, a not-for-profit corporation and charity that offers one-to-one peer support for those supporting someone choosing MAID or grieving a MAID loss.
You can learn more about the digital story creators showcased in this episode and watch their stories on our website: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/copy-of-digital-stories-1 or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4r28EMwF2cj86Tq-_uEGm4VXy_iyH9wc.
You can also learn more about the facilitators, Krystle Scofield and Maureen Leier, here: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/the-team.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Digital Stories Part 2: Bridge C-14 Participants

In part two of this three-part episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Lang, the lead facilitator of the two digital storytelling workshops. We also hear from six participants who created digital stories about their experiences accompanying someone on their MAiD journey. These participants were recruited by Bridge C-14, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and loved ones through every stage of assisted death.
You can learn more about the digital story creators showcased in this episode and watch their stories on our website: https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/copy-of-digital-stories or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4r28EMwF2ciKL_INHgp171ujizFInv8O.
Dr. Mike Lang is a health researcher, award-winning filmmaker, Digital Storytelling facilitator, and adjunct assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, Canada. He has directed and produced three feature-length documentaries, two short documentaries, and three web series about the human health experience in addition to numerous health education curricula. Mike has also published 21 academic articles and facilitated the creation of over 900 digital stories (short films) with a diverse cross-section of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals around the world. His professional and research focus is on using digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking in education, advocacy, research, and a therapeutic capacity within healthcare and wellness contexts. Connect with him on all socials @mikelangstories or via www.mikelangstories.com or commonlanguagedst.org.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end of life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Digital Stories Part 1: Diane Sims

In part one of this three-part episode of Disrupting Death, hosts Kathy and Keri have the honour of sharing information about their research in medical assistance in dying, a component of which is digital storytelling, and Keri sits down with Diane Sims, the project’s only (to date) participant who herself has opted for MAiD.
Please consider viewing Diane's digital story entitled "MAiD: A Servant In Deed" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SftHzya8yI
Diane Sims is a prolific and published author, journalist, and social justice advocate, particularly for people living with disabilities and Canadians considering medical assistance in dying (MAiD). She has worked for the London Free Press, CBC Radio North, and the Manitoulin Expositor as managing editor, as well as for various federal and provincial cabinet ministers as a speech writer. Diane lives in Stratford, Ontario, with her husband, Dennis, and their cats.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of- life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.

Forced Transfers: Disrupting Death with Dr. Jyothi Jayaraman

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri speak with Dr. Jyothi Jayaraman, joining us to share her views on an issue of great interest to both her and us: forced transfers. Dr. Jayaraman reached out to Disrupting Death to highlight her ongoing quest to eradicate forced transfer of MAiD recipients from institutions refusing provision. In addition to conversation about forced transfers in general terms and the specific choice made by Dr. Jayaraman, this episode also includes discussion about the forced transfer of Samantha O’Neill in April of 2023. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/woman-with-terminal-cancer-forced-to-family-upset-by-st-pauls-hospital-maid-policy
Dr. Jyothi Jayaraman, MBBS, MD CCFP (PC) is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Practice (Division of Palliative Care) at the University of British Columbia. She practised as a family doctor and palliative care physician for 20+ years. In 2016, Dr. Jayaraman became a MAiD practitioner. She retired from family practice in 2021. In February of 2023 she resigned from her job as a palliative Care physician in hospice over the issue of forced transfers. Dr. Jayaraman continues to be a MAID Assessor and Provider.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com
This episode of Disrupting Death was edited by Sadie Mallon.

Bonus Episode: Disrupting Death en Français avec Patrick Durivage

Dans cet épisode, et un changement dans le format habituel, Keri-Lyn et Alyssa Laflamme discutent avec Patrick Durivage et ont une riche discussion sur les soins palliatifs et l'AMM au Québec à travers le point de vue d'un travailleur social.
Travailleur social au programme de soins à domicile du CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Patrick Durivage s’intéresse aux soins palliatifs dispensés aux personnes âgées en contexte à domicile. Il dispense des formations aux professionnels de la santé et des services sociaux sur les problématiques vécues par les personnes en fin de vie et par les personnes proches aidantes. En tant que praticien-chercheur, M. Durivage collabore avec des partenaires universitaires sur de nombreux projets de recherche dans le domaine. Il est coauteur de publications sur les soins palliatifs à domicile et fait des présentations sur le sujet lors de congrès nationaux et internationaux.
Nommé par son ordre professionnel, il est commissaire à la Commission de fin de vie du Québec qui examine toute question relative aux soins de fin de vie et veille à l’application des exigences relatives à l’aide médicale à mourir. Il est également membre du Conseil des soins palliatifs de McGill, qui vise à sensibiliser le public aux soins palliatifs.
Music for Disrupting Death a été créé par la toujours charmante Sarah McInnis. Sarah est musicothérapeute, auteure-compositrice, multi-instrumentiste et Doula de fin de vie. En 2021, Sarah a lancé The Legacy Song Project, écrivant des chansons originales pour les personnes en fin de vie et pour les personnes qui ont perdu des êtres chers. Pour en savoir plus sur Sarah, visitez son site Web https://sarahmcinnis.com
Cet épisode de Disrupting Death a été édité par Alyssa Laflamme et Sadie Mallon.

A Mercy of Widows: Disrupting Death with Marcy Lane

In this episode of Disrupting Death, Kathy and Keri chat with Marcy Lane, author of A Mercy of Widows, a debut novel that “interweaves the tapestry of real emotion with the threads of a captivating narrative.” We invite you to sit back and listen as the conversation unfolds about MAiD, grief, Canada’s legal system, and why dogs are simply the best!
At 60, Marcy has transmuted the trials of her own life—including being widowed twice to cancer—into a wellspring of resilience that pours into her character-driven storytelling. Marcy's journey is marked by academic distinction with three degrees, a reflective mind, and a heart devoted to the causes she believes in. Her 24 years at the helm of a charity speak to a lifetime commitment to making a difference, paralleled by the deep empathy she extends to her characters.
Grief's shadow, particularly the complex grief Marcy faced following her second loss, has led to a profound understanding of the human condition, an understanding that breathes life into her tales. A Mercy of Widows is not autobiographical, but the emotions within are a mirror to grief—real, raw, and unfiltered. Now nestled in a cozy cottage in southwestern Ontario with her dogs, Bug and Lucy, Marcy finds solace and inspiration by Lake Erie. Her home is a sanctuary where she crafts stories that navigate through life's thorniest issues with grace and depth.
Marcy’s writing is not just an exploration but a tribute to the resilience and complexity of ordinary folks, shining a light on the silent struggles and unsung triumphs that define us all.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: https://sarahmcinnis.com
This episode of Disrupting Death was edited by Sadie Mallon.

MAiDHouse: Disrupting Death with Tekla Hendrickson

This episode of Disrupting Death has hosts Kathy and Keri involved in aconversation about MAiDHouse with Tekla Hendrickson, Executive Director. MAiDHouse is a non-profit organisation devoted to providing those eligible to receive medical assistance in dying (MAiD) with a supportive, inclusive, and comfortable setting. MAiDHouse provides information, resources, and services for those eligible to receive MAiD, families, and healthcare providers. The first MAiDHouse location isin Toronto, Canada.
Tekla Hendrickson has extensive experience, locally and internationally, in managing, operating, and advising not-for-profits in the areas of health promotion, homelessness, and women’s rights. Tekla has co-authored articles on developing processes to engage marginalized women in research, policy, and practice; the issue of homelessness and developing shared solutions. Tekla is a past board member of Women’s College Hospital, Unit Director ofSistering, Provincial Director of Ontario Women’s Health Network and co-founder of Toronto Community Based Research Network and Inclusion Research. Tekla has been a member of the Disability and Women Advisory Committee for the Associationfor Women Action and Research - Singapore. Tekla was a delegate at The Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (2008).
In this episode, Tekla mentions the MAiDHouse Memory Quilt Project.You can find more events and information at MAiDHouse.
Music for Disrupting Death was created by Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life,and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com.
This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Sadie Mallon.