On a daily basis, palliative care physicians assess patients’ physical symptoms—such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue—and prescribe treatments to relieve them. They also provide emotional and psychological support, engaging in sensitive conversations about care goals and end-of-life decisions. A large part of their work involves coordinating care across different specialists and ensuring that treatment aligns with the patient’s values and wishes. Their role requires deep empathy and communication skills, as they not only manage complex medical issues but also guide families through emotionally intense decisions.

Most palliative care physicians work in hospitals, hospice centers, and outpatient clinics, where they can collaborate with teams of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and therapists. In hospitals, they may join rapid-response teams for patients in crisis, while in hospice settings, they help ensure comfort and dignity at the end of life. The atmosphere of their workplace is patient-centered and holistic, reflecting the specialty’s emphasis on caring for the whole person, not just the disease.