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.

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. 

October 31, 2018 | 2 min read

Halloween Heartbreak

By Wilma Ferthler, MD, Rural Country Doctor, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

This is both our trick and treat. Enjoy a silly story – we hope it makes you laugh! Happy Halloween!

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.

January 2, 2025 | 2 min read

Gratitude and goodbyes  

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The privilege of longitudinal care is witnessing patients grow and evolve over time. Saying goodbye to patients can be filled with both sadness and immense gratitude for the opportunity to have been a part of their lives. 

October 17, 2019 | 1 min read

Highs and Lows

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

The clinically excellent physician is always fully present with their patients. Sometimes there is the joy of a healthy new baby, and other times there is despair.

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.

September 4, 2025 | 2 min read

To comfort always 

Providing compassionate companionship to patients can be as healing as any medicine when a cure is no longer possible. 

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.

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 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 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. 

August 15, 2018 | <1 min read

A CLOSLER Look: Interview with Dr. Ziegelstein

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

"Patients let you into a part of their lives that they often don't let anyone else into." Enjoy a short 4-minute YouTube to learn how Dr. Ziegelstein became attuned to the emotional health of his heart patients. 

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.

August 20, 2025 | 2 min read

Surfing through setbacks  

Like surfers, we all need to get back on the board after falling. My patient with new significant physical limitations showed great courage in greeting each day with humor and gratitude.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

December 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Taking the call 

By Stasia Reynolds, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It is a privilege to bear witness to the suffering our patients endure and to share in the joy that comes in honoring a dying wish.   

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. 

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 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.

August 15, 2025 | 3 min read

Detained!!!

When a patient is held by law enforcement, quickly coordinate to send a medical necessity letter to ensure uninterrupted access to vital treatment. Immediate action may protect patient health and prevents avoidable complications. 

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.

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. 

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!

April 1, 2024 | 7 min read

Osler’s visit  

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

“Every patient you see is a lesson in much more than the malady from which he suffers.”—Dr. William Osler 

December 3, 2024 | 3 min read

Musical rounds

By Melanie Ambler, medical student, Stanford University

Music is healing. Ask patients about favorite songs or listen to a streaming service together and sing along. If you play an instrument, bring it to work to perform for patients.

March 7, 2023 | 6 min read

When The Doctor Becomes The Patient

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Cancer interrupted my personal and professional lives. Being a patient is an invitation to be human, something we often don’t have much time for in medicine. I am working to bring together the best of being a doctor, being a patient, and being a human being.

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.

February 15, 2021 | 2 min read

End-of-Life Care During The Pandemic

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Hospital visitation is limited during the pandemic. To alleviate the stress of this restriction, connect patients with their families via video as often as possible.

August 13, 2025 | 2 min read

Gaining perspectives 

Travel fosters curiosity and open-mindedness. Encountering diverse cultures can encourage healthcare professionals to remember the value of asking better questions, avoiding assumptions, and appreciating the individuality of each patient.

October 26, 2023 | 1 min read

Silent Walking

By Elizabeth Reynolds, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Take time for a mindful stroll. Instead of multitasking, untether from electronic devices, tune into the senses, and allow space for thoughts.

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.

January 20, 2022 | 2 min read

Reflecting on Boundaries During Times of Loss

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Recently, my eyes filled with tears upon learning of a death in my patient’s family. Empathizing with patients who have suffered a loss can bring up strong feelings. How much of this is ok for clinicians to reveal?

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.

March 26, 2024 | 3 min read

Taylor Swift on the psych ward

By Abraham Nussbaum, MD, Denver Health

Music can be a powerful tool for learning and can be used to teach complex topics in a way that is both memorable and engaging.

November 20, 2024 | 1 min read

A view from the starting line 

By Ismaa'il Eaddy, undergrad student, Cornell University

Before I begin my career as a healthcare professional, I am working to understand what it means to be clinically excellent. Showing empathy to all and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for providing outstanding care. 

March 1, 2023 | 2 min read

Moving Past Debt 

With my student loans forgiven, financial pressures were substantially allayed. With this stress removed, I feel more focused on serving my patients.  

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.

February 24, 2021 | 2 min read

“Make you feel my love” (archives 2021)

By Amy Vinson, MD, Boston Childrens Hospital

Seeing the love in a patient’s life can be moving. It can also remind us just how important close relationships are in life.

August 11, 2025 | 5 min read

The push, the pull, and the leap 

Major career transitions can bring up complex emotions; reflection can guide you toward choices that honor your values. Embrace these changes as opportunities to rediscover purpose and help you better care for patients. 

October 24, 2023 | 6 min read

Hoping

By Eric Last, DO, Northwell Health, Wantagh, New York

Even when a cure is not possible, I try to show patients and their loved ones that there are other things for which to hope. 

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.

January 6, 2022 | 1 min read

Celebrating The Wonderful Throughout The Year

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Reinforcing our ties with family and friends (including coworkers) is more important than ever. These connections can be an antidote to despair and anxiety. 

March 13, 2024 | 1 min read

How writing helps me as a clinician

By Jason Han, MD, Penn Medicine

Writing helps me reflect on the surgical decisions I make each day.

November 19, 2024 | 2 min read

Fellow humans: lessons from Dr. White’s “Seeing patients” 

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Providing humanistic, equitable care benefits patients, medical practitioners, and society.  Reminding ourselves that we are all in this together may help decrease stigma and bias in clinical settings.

February 27, 2023 | 2 min read

Children Need Hospice Too

By Emily Johnson, MSN, RN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Regularly reassessing goals of care is necessary during critical illness. This can help families maintain hope and realistic expectations.