Understanding Palliative Care: Part 2 — Dr. Robin Hicks

In this episode of In Their Words, we sit down with Dr. Robin Hicks, physician medical director of UPMC Supportive Care and Palliative Medicine in Central Pennsylvania, for a conversation about compassion, connection, and caring for patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Dr. Hicks shares what drew her to palliative medicine, some of the misconceptions surrounding this often-misunderstood specialty, and how listening to patients and families continues to shape her work. She also discusses the role philanthropy can play in providing meaningful support beyond traditional medical care.

From honoring a patient’s wishes to finding small but powerful ways to support families, Dr. Hicks offers a thoughtful look at the human side of medicine.