Initially trained as a reconstructive plastic surgeon, Nadine Semer shifted her focus ten years ago into the world of palliative medicine. She and her team see the challenges and day-to-day realities of patients having to navigate our healthcare system while dealing with a serious illness. It's hard, for everyone involved. This book represents insights Dr. Semer has gleaned over the years. Through discussion of vignettes based on actual patients, her goal is to help healthcare providers connect with their patients to counter the current challenges of our US healthcare system, which sadly often impedes the development of an effective and therapeutic provider-patient relationship. Dr. Semer's hope is that the information conveyed in this book will benefit patients, families, and healthcare providers alike.