Why Carol LaMare

Founded in 2005 and expanded in 2010, the Carol LaMare Scholars Program offers MSW students a deeply connected learning community and specialized preparation for practice in oncology, palliative, and health care social work. Students in the program:

• Join a vibrant network of nearly 180 (and still growing) Carol LaMare alumni who engage in annual reunions, professional networking, and ongoing mutual support.

• Participate in a retreat held the weekend before Fall Quarter begins, where new scholars get to know one another in an informal setting, reflect together on the year ahead, review materials that frame the program’s structure, and engage in both large- and small-group discussions.

• Complete a specialized practicum placement—often supervised by Carol LaMare alumni—in oncology, palliative care, or medical settings, working with individuals and families facing serious illness.

• Take part in a three-quarter Integrative Seminar, consisting of five sessions each quarter, focused on advanced topics in cancer care, palliative and hospice practice, and goals-of-care communication.

• Join informal coffee hours between winter and spring quarter seminars for peer support, career panels featuring recent alumni, and conversations with health care leaders from major hospitals, clinics, and hospice programs.