MJM MedTalks (S02E09+10): Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Part 1 & 2

Abstract

McGill Journal of Medicine (MJM) Podcast Series, MJM MedTalks, interviews members of the medical and health sciences community from McGill, and beyond to gain insights into their careers, research, advocacy, and more. This series aims to enhance knowledge sharing between experts and trainees in the medical field. In this two-part episode, Masha (Maryia) Samuel, a Master’s student in Experimental Medicine and Podcast Associate at the McGill Journal of Medicine, explores the topic of MAiD, or Medical Assistance in Dying, through the lens of Canadian healthcare. These episodes feature Dr. Blair Carl Schwartz, a physician and MAiD provider at the Jewish General Hospital, and Veronique (Nicky) Fraser, an advanced practice nurse for MAiD at the McGill University Health Centre. Part one of this interview addresses the process of accessing MAiD in the province of Quebec, the primary reasons why patients request MAiD, and perspectives on research in this field. Part two explores mental illness as the sole reason for accessing MAiD, how our current legislation may pave the way for the expansion of eligibility criteria, and the need for safeguards. These episodes touch on topics of mental illness, death, and suicide, and we understand these subjects may be distressing for some audience members. Please listen to these episodes with care, and if you need support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.