Hospice and palliative medicine specialists are medical doctors who help prevent and relieve suffering of patients who have a serious illness or who have only a short time left to live. They work with a team of other professionals to address the needs of both the patient and loved ones.

These specialists can help with relieving symptoms, coordinating care, making legal and ethical decisions, and handling issues around death and dying. They can be board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, and other specialties.