November 27, 2023 | 2 min read

Immunity illusions

By Abraham Nussbaum, MD, Denver Health

When my classmate in medical school died of chronic illness, I was finally able to imagine myself as a patient. I now treat patients with the compassion that I would want to receive in the hospital.  

July 29, 2020 | 2 min read

Jumping Into Redeployment

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Caring for very sick patients during the pandemic can help you to reconnect with the meaning and purpose of medicine. Sign up to serve if the opportunity presents itself.

April 6, 2022 | 3 min read

The Last Inning

By Mark Duncan, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes, patients have the opportunity to write a beautiful concluding chapter to their lives. We can encourage them in this endeavor.  

October 29, 2018 | 2 min read

The Power of Laughter

By Carol Ann Huff, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Laughter is wonderful medicine and can almost always be heard emanating from my clinic!

April 4, 2023 | 1 min read

Insurance Denial Fatigue

By Justin McArthur, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

After spending hours with patients deciding what tests or treatments are most appropriate, guess how many seconds it takes for an insurance doctor to reject the claim? 

October 14, 2024 | 2 min read

Beyond the bike lane

By Chris Tiplady, MD, Northumbria Healthcare, England

Healthcare professionals can be strong advocates for communities. This can include working to improve cycling infrastructure, affordable housing, and access to education. 

April 1, 2021 | 3 min read

April Fool’s Joke: The Text Message

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Don’t be a fool. IMHO, getting to know patients as individuals isn’t necessary. Is it rewarding? I’m ROFL.

November 15, 2023 | 2 min read

Rolling boulders uphill

By Jennifer Lycette, MD, rural oncologist in the Pacific Northwest

When my patient was incarcerated, I realized that I could still be present and caring despite challenging circumstances. 

June 18, 2025 | 2 min read

The heart of the practice: a PA’s reflections on teamwork 

Exceptional patient care is a team endeavor, built on trust and a shared commitment to addressing every patient's unique needs. This is especially true when navigating complex health disparities.

April 10, 2018 | 3 min read

Finding Beauty In Your Inbox

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes, beauty and inspiration are inches away from our eyes, glowing at us from the blue light of our screen. Dr. Wright shares a moving story from a recent email exchange between a resident and attending.

March 14, 2022 | 1 min read

A Woman of Faith in Medicine

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Having faith in something helps me mitigate burnout and give empathic care to all patients. 

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Taking the leap

By Jennifer Woodard, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin

Caring for those with dementia extends to their caregivers. Often, that means simply being there to offer support.

October 24, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Hugh Calkins: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Not requiring a referral or pre-screening patients are two things physicians can do to ensure that more people have access to clinically excellent care.

March 29, 2023 | 1 min read

Remarkable Human Spirit

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

In the aftermath of my patient’s devastating consequences of illness, his reaction was anything but what I expected.

September 17, 2019 | 5 min read

Being Human First

By Kultaj Kaleka, MD, RN, Central Michigan University

Family and friends frequently ask medical trainees for their medical advice. Naturally, our recommendations are not based on medical experience, but rather our shared humanity.

March 18, 2021 | 5 min read

The 24 Notes of Taps

By William Wright, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Let us honor the bravery of clinicians who have sacrificed everything in this pandemic to serve others.

November 14, 2023 | 3 min read

Authenticity

By Charlene Gamaldo, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Bringing your full self to work is a purposeful strategy for flourishing. This may also allow you to connect more deeply with patients and colleagues. 

July 1, 2020 | 3 min read

How to Support Immigrant Communities During the Pandemic

By Amelie Meltzer, Medical Student, University of Pittsburgh, Reuben Mathew, MPH, Medical Student, St. George University, Zackary Berger, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

All people, including immigrants in the U.S., need comprehensive care at this time. Clinicians should be aware of the resources to help immigrant patients obtain medication, food, housing, and mental health support.

February 23, 2022 | 1 min read

Why we Must be Mentors

Mentoring is essential to supporting trainees. Helping learners find their passion and grow will ultimately allow them to find happiness and meaning in their work.   

April 24, 2024 | 1 min read

The power of teamwork

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver excellent patient care. Shared problem-solving from diverse perspectives is critical when facing complex issues. 

October 30, 2018 | 1 min read

The Joy of Patient Volunteers

By Steve Kravet, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Ask a patient to volunteer in your clinic or office - I guarantee it will add to the joy of medicine and the joy of life!

July 10, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Susan Harvey, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

When talking with patients, sitting down at the same level that they are sitting can help them relax.

March 11, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Create Sanctuaries for Patients

By Michelle Ogunwole, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To create safe spaces for historically marginalized patients, slow down and gather more information when conflicts arise. Be aware of your biases and give patients the benefit of the doubt.

November 13, 2023 | 2 min read

How clinicians can address housing insecurity

By Craig Pollack, MD, MHS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For patients with housing insecurity, clinicians can connect them with a social worker and share a list of community-based resources. We must also advocate for policies that increase access to safe and affordable housing.

June 10, 2025 | 2 min read

Reflections on the Netflix series “Adolescence” 

In the course of patient care, clinicians are often witness to powerful, emotion-filled stories. To continue to do this work, we must find ways to replenish ourselves and reach out for support when needed. 

June 22, 2020 | 4 min read

Doing Something or Doing Nothing: Health Disparities, Racial Justice, and the Risk of Failing to Meet This Moment

By Hal Kronsberg, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Truly addressing health disparities and racial justice requires an intense and challenging examination of our own clinical practices and how they may perpetuate inequalities. We must continually hold ourselves and our institutions accountable on the path to building a more just medicine.

February 14, 2022 | 2 min read

Patients Admitted to Hospitals May be Sicker Than Ever 

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Because of the pandemic, some patients have avoided healthcare settings and professionals. Outreach to these patients is needed. 

April 23, 2024 | 1 min read

Outside the clinic walls: making Narcan accessible to everyone

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a combined approach of medical treatment and community engagement. Clinicians must work to educate their community about addiction and provide them with resources like Narcan.

October 22, 2018 | 2 min read

Giving Compassionate Care

My goal is to to be a clinically excellent oncologist, which means being compassionate, spending time with patients and families in order to understand their needs, helping with treatment decisions, and being there for end-of-life decisions as well as hospice care.

June 19, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. William Ravekes, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Taking the time to build trusting relationships with kids and their families is essential.

May 8, 2018 | 3 min read

Compassion is Contagious

By Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Patients are observing us while we interact with others in the hospital, and this can have a tremendous impact on the trust they put in our care.

August 22, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Goldstein: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Check out our 4-minute YouTube interview with pediatric emergency physician Dr. Mitchell Goldstein, who shares how he's guided by the Golden Rule.

April 6, 2018 | 1 min read

The Human Tragedy of the Opioid Crisis

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Addiction impacts more than just my patient, but their entire family. And our job as doctors is—in some way—to care for all of them, to bring them in close, and to try to relieve their suffering in some way.

June 4, 2018 | 2 min read

Giving My Best to Each Patient

By Ross Donehower, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

An oncologist shares his clinical mission statement, with the ultimate goal of making sure that each patient feels deeply cared for.

October 15, 2018 | 1 min read

Respect, Empathy, and Communciation

By Andrea Corse, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

My approach to care is to provide the kind of care you would want for yourself and your family.

June 26, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

We need to think of ourselves as community members who happen to be clinicians.

May 7, 2018 | 2 min read

The 5 Core Beliefs of a Hospitalist

By Daniel Brotman, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

As a hospitalist, I'm in a position to establish intense relationships with patients. Here are my five core beliefs, values, and premises that govern my approach to clinical care in this setting.

November 1, 2023 | 2 min read

Lean on me

Upon learning of my patient’s death, I called their spouse to offer support. Realizing my need to talk with someone, I turned to my colleague, who was able to help me refocus on giving excellent care to other patients.  

June 3, 2025 | 2 min read

Ode to a coffee mug 

My coffee mug at work provides a consistent, grounding ritual amid chaos. Bringing it to my lips helps me to recenter and return to my patients with a renewed presence and empathy. 

June 15, 2020 | 1 min read

Getting CLOSLER: A Note to Our Readers

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For two years, CLOSLER has been stimulating healthcare professionals and trainees to reflect on giving exceptional care to every patient.

February 1, 2022 | 2 min read

Finding my Voice

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

As a trainee, a distressing clinical experience taught me that I must always be the patient’s advocate. Now as a teacher, I help my learners to feel confident speaking up for what they know is right. 

April 22, 2024 | 2 min read

Mentorship—a lifelong dialogue   

By Jane Abernethy, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Rani Nandiwada, MD, MSEd, Penn Medicine

In our long-lasting mentor-mentee relationship, we’ve learned it’s helpful to put a regular check-in time on the calendar and to brainstorm questions and goals for the session ahead of time. 

October 8, 2018 | <1 min read

Alleviating Patients’ Emotional Burden

By Paul Manson, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

My approach to clinical care involves making a dual diagnosis for each patient: identifying the problem, and understanding how that problem affects the patient psychologically and emotionally.

March 8, 2023 | 2 min read

Cleaning Dentures

By Becky Sansbury, MDiv, Raleigh, North Carolina

When my patient asked me to get the blackberry seeds out of her false teeth, I was reminded that simple comfort measures can be crucial for patient well-being. 

June 12, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Jamie Wright, A CLOSLER Look

Making the time to ensure that patients understand what you are teaching them about their bodies will help them make better decisions about their care.

March 9, 2021 | 2 min read

Self-Compassion: A Resilience Strategy For Stressful Times

By Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD, University of Arizona

Cultivating self-compassion can combat stress and burnout, and improve your overall well-being.

July 30, 2020 | 2 min read

Taking a Moment to Pause

By Jareatha Abdul-Raheem, Med Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When hearing disappointing news or encountering stress, making time to step back and reassess may help with coping and gaining perspective.

January 24, 2022 | 3 min read

What I Learned About Medicine from “The Price is Right”

By Tyler Mains, MD, University of California, San Francisco

A childhood dream was fulfilled when I won my favorite gameshow. The joy I experienced in that moment is something that I strive to share with patients each day. 

April 15, 2024 | 1 min read

When the end is near 

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Shubham Tomar, MBBS, MPH, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

At the end of life, loved ones often must make difficult decisions. Healthcare professionals can help ease this burden by showing empathy and compassion. 

October 3, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Mike Fingerhood: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Every time I see a patient I ask them about their home environment, and what the main stressors in their life are right now.