Dr. Anand Iyer, a pulmonary and critical care physician at UAB, discusses the essential role of palliative care in critical settings. He emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication and understanding patient values during tough conversations. Dr. Iyer highlights the need to debunk misconceptions surrounding palliative care, demonstrating its relevance beyond end-of-life scenarios. He shares strategies to initiate early palliative interactions, offering insights into enhancing patient dignity and quality of life throughout serious respiratory illnesses.