Takeaway
Consider practicing daily gratitude—like noticing small acts of kindness—to strengthen empathy, buffer burnout, and reconnect to your professional “why.”
Passion in the Medical Profession | January 9, 2026 | 2 min read
By Amit Jain, MD MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine
In my family, we live by a set of guiding principles. Rule three is simple but profound: Be Grateful Always. We recently returned from a 10-day journey through India, a trip that did more than just offer a change of scenery; it reaffirmed why that rule sits at the heart of our lives.
Finding perspective in the “little things”
The trip provided my wife, an ophthalmologist, and me a rare opportunity to unplug to reflect on what truly matters. While we sought out big landmarks, I was most struck by our children’s ability to notice the “little things”—the basic kindness of the people around them.
At seven years old, my daughter became a keen observer of human spirit. She constantly pointed out how helpful and selfless the people we met were. We were often greeted by strangers who possessed very little but carried an immense wealth of character. Our children were enveloped in a culture of care, witnessing:
1. Porters at the train stations who went out of their way to be helpful.
2. Volunteers serving langar (free communal meals) to hundreds outside temples and churches.
3. A menagerie of neighbors and friends who offered nothing but affection and warmth.
Removed from the daily grind of clinical practice, my wife and I could finally slow down and relish these moments. We watched in real-time as these interactions shaped our children’s worldview, planting deep-rooted seeds of belief in the fundamental goodness of humanity.
As healthcare professionals, it’s easy to become buried under the sheer weight of the “medical machine.” Between overbooked clinics, back-to-back surgeries, relentless manuscript deadlines in academics, and the administrative hum of meetings, our perspective can narrow until we see only the stress.
Reflecting on the trip, I realize that a belief in the “good” isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s foundational to a happy life and a sustainable career. Gratitude is the fuel for our compassion. It’s the buffer against burnout. I’m profoundly grateful for moments like these that allow us to recharge and remember the core of our “why”: to serve others and create a space where kindness can flourish.
Jain family rules
1. Try your best.
2. Be kind always.
3. Be grateful always.
4. Listen actively—pay attention.
5. No whining!
6. Persevere.
7. Be happy.
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This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.