News
de Souza Launches New Radiation Oncology eLearning Course through National Collaboration
Many adult patients with cancer will receive radiation therapy (RT) at least once during their illness trajectory. Oncology professionals caring for patients undergoing RT need to be able to understand the patient’s RT treatment plan, prepare the patient for what to expect from RT, as well as recognize the possible side effects of their specific RT treatment site and schedule.
To address this challenge, an interdisciplinary team from the de Souza Institute and clinical oncology practice areas across the country worked closely together and developed a new 8-week Radiation Oncology eLearning course with 33 interactive modules. Radiation therapists contributed deep technical expertise in RT treatment delivery and planning. Nurse educators structured content into sequenced learning modules, while point-of-care nurses ensured relevance to day-to-day patient care.
Members of the Radiation Special Interest Group from the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology provided national perspectives and peer review, helping ensure clinical accuracy and alignment with Canadian best practices.
Together, the team translated complex radiation oncology content into a practical, accessible learning experience for oncology nurses, radiation therapists, physician assistants, social workers, and other allied health professionals.
If you would like more information on this new course, or would like to enrol, visit:
www.desouzainstitute.com/radiation-oncology/
Oncological Emergencies: Additional Conditions
Following the 2025 release of the Oncology Emergencies – Core Conditions course, we have launched the second Oncology Emergencies course in February 2026, covering Seven Additional Oncological Conditions:
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
- Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Excretion (SIADH)
- Bleeding and Thrombosis
- Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS)
- Cardiac Tamponade
- Increased Intracranial Pressure (IICP)
- Pleural Effusion (PE)
Combined together, these two Oncologic Emergencies courses will help prepare you to anticipate, recognize, and respond to twelve metabolic and structural emergencies; and increase your confidence to provide high quality care to patients during a tense and life threatening situation.
In Memory of Ivan de Souza
Distinguished philanthropist Mr. Ivan de Souza has passed away on October 22, 2025, in Toronto. Together with his late wife, Anna Maria de Souza, Mr. de Souza worked tirelessly in various fund-raising activities to benefit a number of charitable institutions across Canada. Their dedication and contribution to philanthropy were recognized in 2008 when the Government of Ontario announced a $15 million grant to establish the de Souza Institute at the University Health Network. Mr. de Souza was recognized in 2016 by the Governor General of Canada for his efforts in improving cancer care in Canada. He received the Meritorious Service Medal, one of the highest civilian honours from the Government of Canada.
In his final days, Ivan was attended to by the wonderful care team at Dorothy Ley Hospice. Among the care team members at the Hospice, there are nurses who completed education at the de Souza Institute and received de Souza designation for their strong clinical and leadership skills in oncology and/or palliative care.
Since its inception, de Souza Institute has strived to build excellence by inspiring and empowering healthcare professionals to provide the best cancer and palliative care through innovative education and coaching. Inspired by Ivan’s efforts, de Souza Institute has reached 25,000 healthcare professionals across the country, greatly increased the number of nurses certified as specialized in oncology and palliative care, and built strong partnerships with provinces and national professional associations. We will carry his memory and legacy forward proudly.
On-Demand Chemotherapy Competency Maintenance Course Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer Care Ontario released Provincial Position Statements for Nursing Practice in systemic treatment administration in 2021. The Systemic Cancer Treatment Administration Standards provide additional description of the education and training requirements. An initial competency and certification education program that includes: theoretical learning with evaluation, and supervised clinical practice with evaluation. Maintenance of competence program that … Read more
We Are Moving to TGH!
We are pleased to announce that beginning April 1, 2024, de Souza Institute is located at the following address: de Souza Institute c/o Toronto General Hospital 200 Elizabeth Street, RFE 3-440 Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4 All other contact information including phones and e-mail addresses remain unchanged. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate … Read more
Oncology Nursing Day 2024 Message
Today April 2, 2024 is Oncology Nursing Day, a day to recognize the many incredible roles that oncology nurses play in our national healthcare system. The theme for this year’s Oncology Nursing Day is “From Coast to Coast: Uniting Our Practice”. de Souza Institute is extremely honoured to provide a platform and resources for nurses who … Read more