Richard Brennan, WHO Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, discusses the dire impact of armed conflict on healthcare access in regions like Gaza and Lebanon. He highlights the brave efforts of healthcare workers amidst escalating violence. Menaka Paranathala, a clinical editor at The BMJ, focuses on addressing gender inequity in medical research, emphasizing the historical neglect of women's health issues. The conversation also touches on the critical role of palliative care and the need for its integration across all medical specialties for improved patient outcomes.