Carol LaMare Scholars Program

ABOUT

Named in honor of Dr. Lynn Behar’s mother, who died of cancer in 2005, the Carol LaMare Scholars Program provides MSW students interested in oncology, life-limiting illness, palliative and end-of-life care social work specialized education through intensive mentoring and site specific practicum placements in local health care centers and agencies. The Carol LaMare Scholars Program is a specific program of the UW School of Social Work funded within the Center for Interdisciplinary Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Research and Practice (IPOPC), and designed to educate Day and EDP MSW students in their clinical specialization year to practice delivering supportive care to people impacted by cancer, life-limiting illnesses (such as, end stage kidney disease requiring transplant or dialysis, heart failure), and people who are at the end of life. The program also emphasizes the importance of grief and loss concepts and terminology within the context of illness.

Alice Ryan, LICSW

Director of the Carol LaMare Scholars Program

WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the Carol LaMare Scholars Program. We prepare MSW students to care for people living with cancer, serious illness, and the uncertainty that can accompany life-limiting conditions. Through focused coursework, intentionally designed seminars, clinical training, mentorship, and community partnership, students learn to bring both professional skill and genuine human presence to patients and families.

For me, this work is deeply personal. Every person deserves to be heard, respected, and accompanied with compassion, especially during life’s most difficult moments. It is a privilege to help prepare social workers who will meet people where they are, honor what matters most to them, and offer steady support to individuals, families, and communities.

I am deeply honored to serve in this role and support the future of the oncology and palliative care workforce. I know our world is a better place with these thoughtful, compassionate social workers in it.