Barbara Pesut

Dr. Barbara Pesut is a Professor at the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan, with extensive experience in palliative and end-of-life care. She leads the Nav-CARE initiative and holds research funding from CIHR and Health Canada for volunteer navigation models in rural and dementia care contexts.

• Education: PhD (UBC 2005), MSN (UBC 1997), BSN (UVic 1992), Diploma in Nursing (BCIT 1982)

Her research focuses on:

• Volunteer and peer navigation models for life-limiting illnesses
• Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) policy and clinical communication
• Rural health equity and compassionate community approaches
• Nursing philosophy and social justice frameworks

Recent publications examine international navigation program adaptations, compassion training validation, and longitudinal palliative outcomes. She has received multiple awards including the Nursing Innovation Award (2019) and UBC Health Researcher of the Year (2018). Her lab develops evidence-based tools like the MAID Reflective Guide.