About this episode

This episode explores the concept of hope in the context of life-limiting illnesses and how to set realistic expectations for patients and their families.

This rereleased episode is dedicated to longtime Palliative Matters host, Dr. John Mulder. The idea of hope is often idealistic and romanticized. For those facing a life-limiting illness, the “hope” of being cured or of life returning to the way it was before a diagnosis can be discouraging. In this episode, Dr. Mulder and Dr. Beckrow explain how they can help people redefine hope by setting clear expectations and realistic goals for patients and their families.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. John Mulder

Guest: Dr. Jason Beckrow

Topics covered

• hope
• palliative care
• life-limiting illness
• realistic goals
• patient expectations

Keywords

• hope
• palliative care
• life-limiting illness
• realistic goals
• patient care

More episodes of Palliative Matters

• Greatest Hits: The Wisdom & Legacy of Dr. John Mulder · January 30, 2026 · 37 min
• Notes From The Field: A Surgeon's Journey to Holistic Palliative Care · December 8, 2025 · 42 min
• Where joy and sorrow meet, joy wins · November 5, 2025 · 29 min
• Exploring Spirituality in End-of-Life Care · October 8, 2025 · 44 min
• The Journey Isn't Linear · September 9, 2025 · 36 min
• What's Next: Establishing a New Normal · August 4, 2025 · 26 min

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