You don’t want to miss 

By Emma Giarracco, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine 

In medical school, we’re taught you don’t want to miss.
Think quickly but carefully, consider the possibilities—make a list.
Be thoughtful. Ask the right questions to show
You care for the person, from their head to their toe.

You don’t want to miss—
But what about weddings, and birthdays, and tea with your sis?
Scratch that off the schedule—there are patients in room nine.
Maybe you’ll get a break, at the end of the day, if there’s time.

But here’s what I’ll say about not wanting to miss:
The most creative, thoughtful people make time for life’s bliss.
Yes, we need to be taught not to miss—
But that includes silly moments, little joys, a kiss.

Because medicine is long, and the road is winding,
Rewarding and tough, each day a reminding—
To be thoughtful, ask the right questions to show
You care for the person in the mirror, from your head to your toe.

This poem began as a reflection of a mantra we’re taught early in our clinical training: “You don’t want to miss,” used when talking about signs and symptoms that have emergent health consequences. This principle pushes us to be vigilant and detail-oriented in caring for patients and it also holds a deeper truth. Giving exceptional care to every patient requires more than clinical precision—it requires presence, perspective, and joy.

A mentor recently reminded me that medicine is about seeing the routine with fresh eyes over and over again. To do that well, we also must not overlook the small and restorative moments in our own lives. By caring for ourselves—finding time for connection, creativity, and rest—we strengthen our ability to care deeply for others. This balance sustains the curiosity, compassion, and attention that exceptional patient care demands. 

This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.