CANUCK PLACE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE ANNOUNCES DR. JARED RUBENSTEIN AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR
    CANUCK PLACE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE ANNOUNCES DR. JARED RUBENSTEIN AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR
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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CANUCK PLACE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE ANNOUNCES DR. JARED RUBENSTEIN AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR

    08 April 2026

    Vancouver, B.C. (April 8, 2026): Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jared Rubenstein as Medical Director, strengthening leadership for pediatric palliative care for children and families across BC and the Yukon.
    Dr. Rubenstein will work in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and hold several leadership roles across the provincial pediatric palliative care system, including Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UBC and BC Children’s Hospital, Head and Medical Director of the Division of Palliative Medicine, and Medical Director at Canuck Place.

    Dr. Rubenstein’s commitment to compassionate, equitable pediatric palliative care strongly aligns with our purpose and values,” said Canuck Place CEO, Denise Praill. “Dr. Rubenstein’s global experience and leadership will help strengthen pediatric palliative care across BC and the Yukon and advance our work in research, education, and collaboration across the healthcare system.” 

    Denise Praill, Canuck Place CEO

    Dr. Jared Rubenstein

    Dr. Jared Rubenstein

    His appointment follows more than 25 years of transformative leadership by Dr. Hal Siden, who helped establish pediatric palliative care in BC as a recognized clinical specialty and expanded access to care for children with serious illnesses and their families across the province. 

    I would like to extend deep gratitude to Dr. Hal Siden and the significant impact he has had on children and families, and pediatric palliative care, nationally and globally,” said Praill. “Dr. Siden will continue his work as Scientific Director of the Canuck Place Research Initiative, focusing on research, innovation, and global collaboration.”   

    Denise Praill, Canuck Place CEO

    Canuck Place also recognizes Dr. Marie-Claude Grégoire for her skilled leadership as Interim Medical Director since September 2025. Her guidance and expertise ensured continuity of care during this important leadership transition. Dr. Grégoire will continue as a valued specialist on the Canuck Place physician team at Canuck Place and BC Children’s Hospital.  
    Dr. Rubenstein begins his new role as Medical Director effective April 2026.

    It is an honour to join Canuck Place and the exceptional team that supports the quality of life for children and families across BC and the Yukon,” said Dr. Rubenstein. “I am excited to support the advancement of pediatric palliative care through collaboration, education, and compassionate leadership.”

    Dr. Jared Rubenstein, Canuck Place Medical Director

    Dr. Rubenstein Backgrounder:
    Dr. Rubenstein joins Canuck Place from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, where he held several leadership roles in pediatric palliative care. As Program Director for the Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship—a program he co-founded in 2017—he helped train the next generation of pediatric palliative care physicians and mentored numerous residents, medical students, and junior faculty.  
    He is also widely recognized for advancing communication in healthcare and for developing educational programs that help clinicians navigate complex conversations with patients, families, and colleagues. His work includes creating educational resources and leading workshops that support healthcare professionals in addressing discrimination and strengthening inclusive care in clinical settings. 
    Dr. Rubenstein’s appointment reflects the strength and maturity of pediatric palliative care in the province and the organization’s commitment to developing future clinical leaders.
    About Canuck Place Children's Hospice:
    Canuck Place Children's Hospice is BC and the Yukon's pediatric palliative care provider. When a child is seriously ill and may die before adulthood, families face overwhelming challenges. Canuck Place cares for over 946 children living with life-threatening illnesses and their families through two hospices in Vancouver and Abbotsford, with 10 patient beds and 8 family suites, and in-home, in-hospital, and virtual care. Services include in-hospice family medical respite, pain and symptom management, provincial 24-Hour Clinical Care Line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief, loss, and bereavement counselling, as well as end-of-life care. With donors, the Canuck Place Research Initiative, our talented team, patient-family partners, and over 346 volunteers, we care for children with short lives and families who love them. canuckplace.org
    Media Contact:
    Anna Stuber, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice 
    anna.stuber@canuckplace.org
    604-562-0722
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