In this episode, Dr. Tim Ihrig joined Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow to take an insightful look at the downsides of our medical system. For a system focused on ROI, putting people in hospital beds, and curing diseases, how do palliative care physicians, who have opposite goals, fit into the mix? And what can we learn from them and apply to other fields of medicine to change our system for the better?

When cancer patients finish treatment, they ring a bell—signifying the end of a chapter but not the end of their story. As the person transitions to survivorship, there are a myriad of emotional and physical challenges that come about. So, how can we as physicians continue to support our patients through this next phase of their disease journey? In this episode, Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow share personal and professional insights on the importance of continued care and support through this transitional time.

Cancer is an identity-shaping experience. Survivors are forever changed and carry both physical and mental scars. In this episode, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow talk with special guest Dr. Joseph McCollum. Dr. McCollum is both a medical oncologist and palliative oncologist who is also a part of a survivorship care clinic. He shares how he and his team are working to integrate palliative care concepts into survivorship care, helping those who have overcome this harrowing experience start putting the pieces back together.

This rereleased episode is dedicated to longtime Palliative Matters host, Dr. John Mulder. The idea of hope is often idealistic and romanticized. For those facing a life-limiting illness, the “hope” of being cured or of life returning to the way it was before a diagnosis can be discouraging. In this episode, Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow explain how they can help people redefine hope by setting clear expectations and realistic goals for patients and their families.

As palliative care physicians, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow have witnessed their fair share of miracles. This, however, rarely means a cure. More often, the miracles that palliative doctors can help cultivate are ones of reconciliation, comfort, and restoration. In this episode, the doctors discuss how they help manage disappointment among their patients and offer them true healing.

Doctors are often trained to focus on the data. Data makes for a strong foundation, but it’s only the first floor. To truly care for a patient, we must look beyond the data—building off of their character, values, history, and goals. As palliative nurse practitioner Barbara Opperwall said, “The story of the patient is their data with a soul.” In this episode, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow discuss relational medicine, intensive caring, and empowering patients through understanding their stories.

As hospice and palliative care physicians, we care for patients in difficult situations. Yet, we see a lot of joy in those moments. So, what role can we play in helping to cultivate peace and healing for our patients? In this episode, Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Jason Beckrow discuss how patient-centered care, active listening, and being present can help patients see through their circumstances and find joy.

Doctors are trained to cure, treat, and fix. So, how do physicians end up in a field of medicine where the objectives are different? In this episode, Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow discuss how they came to work in the area of advanced illnesses and the purpose that they have found being injected into challenging situations and precarious relationships.