Dr. Pamela Grassau

Biography

Pamela Grassau is an Associate Professor and the Associate Director at the School of Social Work at Carleton University. She holds a BSW from the University of Windsor, an MSW from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a PhD from the University of Toronto. Her research interests focus on the experiences of patients and family caregivers facing advanced illness and end-of-life bereavement. Dr. Grassau explores the dynamics of healthcare provider teams within hospice and palliative care settings, investigating their understanding of needs, experiences, and support systems for self-compassion and resilience. She works on public health strategies addressing chronic illnesses and end-of-life issues, including initiatives like Death Cafés and Compassionate Communities. Additionally, her scholarly pursuits encompass social work research methods aimed at enhancing collective well-being and promoting social justice. Grassau is actively involved in various research projects that seek to develop innovative support programs for healthcare professionals and improve palliative care education. Her contributions to the field of social work have been recognized through numerous presentations and published works.

Research Interests