As a palliative medicine specialist, I focus on supporting patients and their families who are facing serious illnesses such as cancer. I am an expert in symptom management and communication related to advance care planning and goals of care. I serve as an associate professor and director of the Division of Palliative Medicine at The Ohio State University. My job as a provider is to alleviate suffering and promote quality of life for any patient regardless of age or stage of disease. Palliative care is offered simultaneously with all other appropriate medical treatments, including cancer-directed therapies. I work in close collaboration with patients’ primary cancer teams to ensure that the care we provide is aligned with the patient's values and goals. In addition to my clinical work, I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM); co-chair of the AAHPM/ACGME Milestone Workgroup; and a senior associate for Vitaltalk, a national non-profit organization designed to improve communication training for physicians and other providers. I have also co-authored multiple publications in Journal of Palliative Medicine and Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, the two top journals for my subspecialty. The OSUCCC – James has done a fantastic job of integrating palliative medicine into the care of cancer patients and the education of its staff. The James keeps patient care at the center of our work, whether focused on research, education or clinical care. It’s an honor to care for patients and their families when they are often at their most vulnerable, and I feel privileged to work with such a dedicated team at The James.