Ep 2: Compassion: The Key to High Quality Care

with Guest Arif Kamal

• About the Episode

  Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
  
  The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
  
  You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals; you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

• Guest's Guest

  Christopher Jones, MD, MBA, HMDC, FAAHPM

  Dr. Chris Jones is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University, where he contributes to advancing medical education and research. He also serves as the Clinical Vice Chief at Duke Palliative Care, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping clinical practices and improving patient outcomes.

  In addition, he holds the prestigious role of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Palliative Medicine, where he influences the dissemination of cutting-edge research and best practices in the field.

• Resources

  ACS Patient Support Impact Report: 2024 Report

  ACS Palliative Care Resources: Palliative Care | American Cancer Society

  ACS CARES: ACS CARES™ | American Cancer Society

  Dr. Kamal’s 2023 ASTRO Keynote on the same topic: ASTRO 2023 Keynote by Arif Kamal, MD, MBA | Cancer Support 3.0: A New Era in Compassion