What’s one small thing that positively impacts your work day, and how does it help you to serve your patients?

Zack Berger, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The second thing I do every day (after making lunch for my kids) is recite morning prayers.

It takes 25-30 minutes, but it helps remind me of higher goals and how humble and trivial my own standing is in the world – what all of us share, our own imperfect humanity.

Nandini Anandu, MD

I work as a nocturnist, and I like to come to work early to relieve my colleagues and get a head start on seeing patients.

Nobody likes to wait, so even though I am not paid for that time, I feel it’s so beneficial for colleagues and patients.

Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I take a one hour early morning walk outside every day, year-round. I see it as a walking meditation that helps connect me to the inner, outer, and beyond worlds.

William Greenough, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Finding a common interest with each of my patients makes all the difference in deepening our connection!

Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, MassGeneral

1. I don’t check email until I’m at work which allows me time to get ready for the day.

2. I work with an amazing MA who huddles with me before clinic, highlights where the slow spots will be, who was in last week, etc. I try to thank her every week!

Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Simply saying, “you’re doing great,” to all colleagues and staff, and following up with a high five or fist bump, can take a lousy day (or even say a Monday) and turn it around with a sense of positive energy!

Randy Barker, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Plain and simple is a 10 minute nap! I always did that before afternoon patient sessions in order to be fully alert.

Nathan Douthit, MD, Brookwood Baptist Health, Birmingham, Alabama

Eat with colleagues. In our work-through-lunch-maximize-productivity-communicate-through-EHR world we forget we are humans caring for humans. Taking time to break bread together is important for wellness, reminds us why we do this, and makes me a better teacher and clinician.

Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Walking my dog, Bubba. It gives me time in silence to process the day’s events at the end of the day, and prepare for the beginning of the next day. I think having that down time gives me a calm mind so I can be a better listener to my patients.

Jessica Colburn, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I have a long commute and using that time for audio books or podcasts (some medical, some not) helps to begin my day by reflecting on an interesting piece, considering something in a different way, or learning something new, all of which help me to better serve my patients.