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C L O S L E R
Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative
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Creative Arts In Medicine
Connecting with Patients
Passion in the Medical Profession
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence
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September 2, 2020 | 4 min read

A Call for Advocacy in Medicine

By Sara Wallam, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Systemic racism is prevalent throughout our society. To dismantle disparities in health outcomes for minority patients, clinicians must advocate for their patients at the local level and for communities on a regional and national scale.

November 2, 2020 | 4 min read

Prescription For a Healthy Future—Vote

By Deanna Behrens, MD, Advocate Children\'s Hospital, Elizabeth Mack, MD, Jenna Miller, MD, Katherine Hoops, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians have a responsibility to advocate for policies that can improve the health of all. We must take our civic responsibility seriously and make a plan to vote. 

May 30, 2019 | 9 min read

Confessions of a Female Doctor who Questions Gender Equity Movements Like TIME’S UP Healthcare

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We have to embrace humility and first accept that we have biases, prejudices, and privileges in certain contexts. We must then do the hard work of recognizing when our biases show up in interactions, examine our past experiences that contributed to the development of our biases, and acknowledge the hurt that may be caused by our biases to ourselves and others. If we truly want to stop harassment and create equity, we have to do this emotional work every day. And we should do it to stop harassment and create equity for not just women, but for everyone.

September 22, 2020 | 1 min read

Voting as Part of Clinical Excellence

By Margot Kelly-Hedrick, MBE, (she/her/hers), Medical Student, Duke University

Voting is a way you can advocate for your patients and improve health outcomes.

September 29, 2022 | 2 min read

Documenting Humanity

By Jane Abernethy, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians are in a powerful position to advocate for undocumented people, who are among the most vulnerable patients. By acknowledging the courage of this population, we can affirm their strength and resilience.

February 25, 2020 | 2 min read

5 Things Clinicians can do to Reduce Drug Prices

By Justin McArthur, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Excellent clinicians prescribe thoughtfully—pruning medication lists, advising patients on how to save money, and advocating for change.

May 3, 2021 | 6 min read

Why we Must Learn About Our Patients’ Communities

By Daniel Thomas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Make time to learn about and invest in the community you serve to deepen your connection with patients.

October 22, 2020 | 2 min read

Patient Voting Matters

By Patrick Hemming, MD, Duke University

Clinicians are in a position of influence and can encourage patients to vote. Expressing confidence in patients’ ability to make a difference as a voter may motivate them to take action

September 26, 2019 | 3 min read

The Necessity of Being an Advocate

By Zackary Berger, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinical care and advocacy are intertwined. In every clinical encounter, we should think about ways that we can advocate for our patients.

July 23, 2019 | 3 min read

Engaging Care Partners in Communication

By Antonio Wolff, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Jennifer Aufill, BA, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Jennifer Wolff, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Families and friends are valuable resources. These partners in care can help clinicians improve quality of care and patient outcomes.

December 5, 2018 | <1 min read

“A CLOSLER Look,” Dr. Rosalyn Stewart

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

When helping vulnerable urban populations, sometimes the biggest challenge is to understand where the patient is at. Then we have to work together with the patient on walking towards wellness, particularly focusing on lifestyle modifications.

March 23, 2023 | 2 min read

5 Questions I Ask Every Patient 

By Lillie Shockney, RN, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I talk with patients who have metastatic breast cancer about their hopes and worries at every visit. This allows me to give better, whole-person care.  

March 14, 2018 | 2 min read

The Power of Acknowledging Feelings

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Recognizing and acknowledging feelings can diffuse a patient’s anxiety.

September 19, 2019 | 2 min read

The Importance of Partnering With Patients

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

What patients and families need is a clinician advocate who is available to listen, translate complex medical language, and support both the physical and mental health of the patient.

December 26, 2018 | 1 min read

How to Ensure Patient Access During the Holidays

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

The holidays can be a stressful time for both patients and clinicians. Here are a few ideas to ensure stress-free access to care for patients, and tips for everyone to stay healthy and rested.

September 25, 2018 | 1 min read

Teaching Maintains Clinical Excellence

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Engaging with learners keeps you dedicated to lifelong learning, and teaching helps to maintain clinical excellence and the joy of medicine.

June 25, 2018 | 2 min read

Trust The Diagnostic Process

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Clinicians use a diagnostic process to guide their actions when faced with a medical problem. Hypothesis generation provides an efficient reliable framework to focus the clinical workup and come to the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

May 17, 2018 | 2 min read

How To Avoid Complacency in Diagnosis

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Top tips to avoid complacency when faced with a common clinical presentation that may have an uncommon medical diagnosis.

April 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Forming True Partnerships In Care: Listen To Your Patient

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Reflecting on caring for a 12-year-old with a complex neurological condition, I was humbled by the parents’ definition of clinically excellent patient care.

A crowd organized by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee sang “We Shall Overcome” in Farmville, Virginia, in 1966, after a speech by Stokely Carmichael.

January 18, 2019 | 9 min read

From Clinic to Senate

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Advocacy does not have to mean changing legal precedents; it can also be taking a mentee out for coffee, giving feedback about your colleague’s stereotyping of a patient, or not patronizing restaurants with unfair wage practices.

June 3, 2020 | 2 min read

COVID-19 Hospital Visitor Restrictions May Fuel Obstetric Disparities

By Alexandra Norton, MS3, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Marielle Gross, MD, Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Tenisha Wilson, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians must ensure that visitor restrictions do not exacerbate racial disparities in health outcomes during the pandemic. Now more than ever—without family at the bedside—listening to and advocating for your patients is essential.

June 13, 2019 | 6 min read

How to Talk With a Vaccine Skeptic

By Dharushana Muthulingam, MD, Yale School of Medicine

You cannot treat those who challenge you with contempt. Conversations must be navigated with respect and compassion.

September 21, 2022 | 1 min read

Finding Passion, Purpose, and Meaning

By Carisa Parrish, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When experiencing burnout on the job, enjoying activities outside of work may lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction, until your passion for work returns. 

October 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Rethinking the Routine in the Pursuit of Inclusion

Interprofessional team members bring a rich variety of perspectives about patients that can lead to better whole person care. Using first names among our team helps minimize power differentials.

October 4, 2021 | 1 min read

Words Matter

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When serving as an advocate for a family member, I noted judgmental language in the EHR. This reminds me as a clinician to consider how patients (and their families) will feel when they read my notes.

Photograph by Sheldon H. Gottlieb, MD, (c) 2018, all rights reserved.

June 5, 2018 | 2 min read

Clinical Excellence: It Takes A Village

By William Greenough, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The key to clinical excellence in long term care rests not solely on the physician, but also with hands-on bedside caregivers—the unsung heroes of healthcare—nurses, and in this patient story, a recreational therapist.

February 25, 2021 | 2 min read

How You Can Help With Intimate Partner Violence

By Lisa Geller, MPH, Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health crisis and most deadly when a gun is involved. Clinicians should screen patients for IPV, ask about firearm possession, and refer those at risk of IPV to appropriate services.

Practicing humility can improve team-based care.

November 10, 2020 | 2 min read

Moving From Empathy to Humility

By Barret Michalec, PhD, Arizona State University

Acting with humility is granting someone else a higher status than one claims for themselves. This acknowledgement of respect is critical to being an effective healthcare professional.

October 27, 2020 | 3 min read

Beyond The CV

By Kayla Eboreime, Medical Student, University of Texas Medical Branch

There will always be both accolades and critiques that come your way. Neither define who you are. Nourishing your whole self can maintain balance so that you can flourish professionally and personally.

April 16, 2018 | 2 min read

Giving Humanistic and Empathetic Care

By Michele Manahan, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Dr. Michele Manahan's Clinical Mission & Values Statement on supporting her patients through conversation, active listening, a receptive ear, and an incisive mind.

September 1, 2020 | 2 min read

How to Help When Home Isn’t Safe

By Galina Portnoy, PhD, Yale School of Medicine, Jessica Keith, PhD, University of Central Florida, Kelly Buckholdt, PhD, Veterans Health Administration

The pandemic has resulted in everyone spending more time at home, which has increased the potential for being physically, sexually, and psychologically harmed by others. After ensuring that patients feel safe during telehealth appointments, clinicians must directly ask if they are experiencing intimate partner violence and develop a safety plan.

Audrey Hepburn. Photo by Bud Fraker, 1956. Public Domain.

August 24, 2020 | 4 min read

A Calling to Medicine From Hollywood

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Who ever thought watching Turner Classics could inspire a career in medicine? Reflecting on what drew you to healthcare may restore your sense of purpose.

May 21, 2020 | 1 min read

The Importance of Writing For Popular Media Outlets

By Koushik Kasanagottu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In this era of misinformation, we have a moral responsibility as physician-citizens to write for media outlets that our patients read. Sharing accurate health information with the general public can inform decision-making and improve health.

February 4, 2020 | 4 min read

How to Respond to Questions About CBD

By Ryan Vandrey, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

With the massive expansion of interest in CBD products, clinicians need to know how to address their patients' questions.

Dr. Carl Streed and Jacob Tobia. Photo by Dr. Carl Streed.

January 6, 2020 | 2 min read

Book Review of “Sissy: A Coming of Gender Story”

By Carl G. Streed Jr., MD, MPH, Boston Medical Center

Recognizing and validating the diversity of gender identities and expressions positively affects the health of our patients and our communities.

A Reversed Retrogress: Scene 1 (The Purple Shall Govern) (2013), Mary Sibande. Courtesy of the artist and Somerset House London. Photograph by Flora Smyth Zahra.

October 28, 2019 | 5 min read

September Art Museum Challenge

By Flora Smyth Zahra, MA Clin Ed, DRestDent RCS, FHEA, Kings College London, Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By providing a creative space in which healthcare professionals can build skills integral to clinical practice, while also expressing their vulnerabilities and humanity, art museum-based education can humanize healthcare and provide an antidote to burnout.

October 22, 2019 | 2 min read

The Color of my Skin

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

With mentorship, advocacy, and open-mindedness by all, it is hoped that there will be greater diversity within the healthcare workforce.

June 20, 2019 | 2 min read

Be Brave Enough to Start Conversations That Matter

By Manasa Ayyala, MD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

"Between the World and Me" is a must read. At 152 pages, it's a small investment of time that leaves a large impact. I invite you to read this book with the intent to ask curious questions, to be ok feeling uncomfortable, and to continue this important dialogue.

The author connects and celebrates with colleagues - one way to help reduce burnout!

October 2, 2018 | 3 min read

Reducing Resident Burnout

By Sanjay Desai, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

We need to understand and address the causes of resident burnout, not just the symptoms. Interventions to reduce resident burnout will increase the meaning we find in our profession, and include teaching effective teamwork, and learning the patient as a person.

June 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Harnessing Digital Technology for Clinical Excellence

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Digital technology can be leveraged for the greater good of clinically excellent patient care. Social media tools like Twitter enable you to connect with healthcare stakeholders from around the world.

March 9, 2023 | 2 min read

Latticeworks

By Zaina Siraj, medical student, Albany Medical College

The more we learn and grow, the better we can understand ourselves, our patients, and our world. 

February 8, 2023 | 2 min read

Taking Time For Pizza

By Heather Agee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When possible, take time to share dinner with colleagues and friends. This is a gift we can give ourselves to help decrease work stress.

December 6, 2022 | 1 min read

The Helpful Role of Doulas

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Talking with expectant parents about support options can help them make informed decisions about birth plans. Doulas have been associated with a more positive delivery experience.  

The koru is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. It's an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattooing, where it symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace. Photo by David Kopacz.

October 18, 2022 | 7 min read

A New Paradigm For Growth 

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington, Lucinda Houghton, PhD

As with other traumas, burnout, viewed as an opportunity for personal and professional development, offers a way to expand ourselves as wholehearted healers.

October 10, 2022 | 3 min read

“What Else?”

By Matthew McEvoy, MD, Houston, Texas

Asking these simple two words and showing genuine concern can bring out a richer story and promote healing. 

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