What exactly is palliative care — and how is it different from hospice? In this episode of Medicine Made General, Johns Hopkins palliative care physician and graphic artist Nathan Gray, MD, explains how his field improves quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness. Dr. Gray shares how palliative care helps manage symptoms like pain and fatigue, supports communication about treatment choices, and works alongside curative therapies. He also discusses the misconceptions patients often bring to their first visit and why his art and comics offer a unique way to spark conversations about health, illness, and meaning.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are generating major buzz for weight loss — but what’s fact, what’s fiction and what do they really do in the body? In this extended episode, Dr. Selvi Rajagopal, a Johns Hopkins internist, pediatrician, and obesity medicine specialist, explains how GLP-1s work, who may benefit from them and what to expect when starting treatment. She also addresses common misconceptions, discusses costs and access, and highlights why lifestyle changes still play a crucial role in weight management.

Many people think menopause is just hot flashes and mood swings — but there’s a lot more to the story. In this episode, Dr. Tina Zhang, a Johns Hopkins internist, women’s health expert, and certified menopause provider, breaks down the myths and facts about menopause. She explains what’s really happening in the body, how to manage symptoms, the latest thinking on hormone therapy, and what every woman and their loved ones should know to feel informed during this transition.

Millions of Americans take daily vitamins or supplements — but are they really helping? In our very first episode, Dr. Bimal Ashar, a Johns Hopkins internal medicine doctor and expert in preventive care, breaks down the science behind common supplements. He explains which ones might be helpful, which ones to skip, and how to make smart choices about your health.