If you've ever heard the words "palliative care" and incorrectly assumed it meant the end was near — this episode is for you.

Abigail Johnston and Amy Parliament sit down with Dr. Mary Busowski, a palliative care physician at Orlando Health, to bust one of the most persistent myths in cancer care: that palliative medicine is the same as hospice.

Dr. Busowski brings a rare perspective — she trained as a neonatal ICU nurse, went to medical school, completed an infectious disease fellowship, and was among the first physicians to receive board certification in palliative medicine when the American Board of Internal Medicine officially recognized it as a specialty in 2008.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

The real difference between palliative care and hospiceWhy getting palliative care involved early — not just at end of life — can change your entire treatment experienceHow palliative medicine addresses more than just painWhat to look for when choosing a palliative care providerWhy Dr. Busowski calls herself a "joyful practitioner" — and what that means for her patientsDr. Busowski also shares a deeply personal story about navigating her husband's Parkinson's disease journey without palliative support — and how that experience now shapes the care she gives every patient.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or supporting someone you love, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and a new way to think about the care you deserve.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

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Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

Episode ID: 1000760016222

GUID: Buzzsprout-18971843

Release Date: 07/04/2026, 15:30:00