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.