Takeaway
Mindfulness gives us space to notice thoughts, break the cycle of rumination, and return our focus to giving every patient the exceptional care they deserve.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | July 11, 2025 | 1 min read
By Gretchen Miller, MSc & Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Healthcare professionals work hard to deliver exceptional care to every patient—but this goal sometimes competes with the persistent mental noise of regrets, what-ifs, and worries about the future. Neuroscientist Sam Harris, in his short video on mindfulness and rumination, points out how easily our minds drift into loops of unhelpful thought, leaving us less able to show up for the person in front of us.
Why mindfulness matters in medicine
Mindfulness—learning to simply notice and let go of those mental loops—creates breathing room. When we catch ourselves stuck on a replay, we can return to what matters: being present, listening, and responding with our full attention to the patient.
It isn’t about pushing away negative thoughts. It’s about making a brief pause, recognizing, “My mind is spinning again,” and returning to the moment—again and again.
Practical tips to bring mindfulness to patient care:
1. Pause before entering a patient’s room.
A single deep breath can be your reset button.
2. Notice your thoughts during patient encounters.
You might catch yourself replaying earlier events or worrying about the future. When this happens, simply notice the distraction, and bring your focus back to the patient.
3. Practice non-judgment.
If your mind drifts, simply notice it and return to the present. This isn’t a failure; it’s practice.
4. Debrief, don’t dwell.
Set aside intentional time after work to process and reflect. Acknowledge what’s unresolved, then consciously set it aside. Give yourself permission to let it go until a later date.
5. Be kind to yourself.
When your mind drifts or you find yourself ruminating, gently remind yourself to return to the present. Perfection isn’t possible; avoid judging yourself.
Mindfulness isn’t just good for us—it’s a practical way to make sure every patient receives the best care every day.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.