Episode 86 of The Health Exchange Podcast explores the science, psychology, and humanity of palliative care with guest Dr. Alex Gamble, an internist, psychiatrist, and palliative care physician. Dr. Rutland speaks with him about what palliative care actually means, how it differs from hospice, and why it should be considered throughout the course of serious illness rather than only at the end of life. The conversation examines the emotional side of serious illness, including how pain, anxiety, grief, and stress are deeply connected, and why helping patients and families process difficult emotions is just as important as managing physical symptoms. They also discuss delivering life-changing diagnoses, navigating goals of care, supporting families and clinicians through emotionally difficult situations, and the importance of creating psychological  ...