Balfour Mount

Dr. Balfour Mount, recognized as the father of palliative care, passed away recently at the age of 86. He revolutionized end-of-life care by emphasizing the importance of emotional, spiritual, and relational healing for patients, coining the term 'palliative care' to shift focus from merely managing physical symptoms to enhancing quality of life. His dedication to improving the experiences of those facing terminal illnesses led to the establishment of palliative care wards in hospitals across North America. A cancer survivor himself, Dr. Mount spent his final hours surrounded by family in the McGill University Health Centre ward named in his honor, leaving behind a legacy that advocates for accessible and compassionate care for all.