CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The Medical University of South Carolina is prioritizing palliative care education for both MUSC students, faculty and patients. The month of November is recognized as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Palliative care refers to the supportive care provided to patients when they receive a serious diagnosis. It is given to patients to help them cope with the physical, psychological, emotional, financial, social and spiritual distress that comes with a new illness.