Palliative care is an emerging part of internal medicine, providing comprehensive care to patients with serious illness. The attention goes beyond medical treatment to address emotional, psychological, and spiritual issues to maintain dignity and comfort at all levels of illness. Internists are instrumental in coordinating and dealing with symptoms such as pain, tiredness, and shortness of breath.
Through collaboration with multidisciplinary team members, internal medicine doctors guide patients and families through challenging decisions, treatment choices, and advance care planning. Patient-centered care not only enhances quality of life but also facilitates empathetic communication, minimizing distress for patients and caregivers.