July 6, 2020 | 3 min read

Dropping Out, Surviving, or Thriving

By Jina Sinskey, MD, University of California San Francisco

The practice of medicine inherently involves intense emotional experiences. Instead of avoiding these feelings, we must embrace them if we want to grow.

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. 

September 19, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Raf Llinas: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

I try to teach using humor. I start by sharing with residents funny mistakes I made during my own training, so that they remember and learn from these poignant stories.

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.

October 16, 2024 | 2 min read

Best practices for motivating patients  

By Zoobia Chaudhry, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To motivate patients toward long-term behavior change, healthcare professionals should try to identify patients’ intrinsic goals and align care plans. 

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.

May 8, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Cynthia Rand, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

"It's our responsibility to speak up for patients who don't have a voice."

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 30, 2025 | 4 min read

Finding flow and joy in medicine

Finding professional flow requires assessing your inner values and the work environment. Finding harmony between who you are and what you do may help to prevent burnout and restore your joy in 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?

May 7, 2020 | 5 min read

Captivity and COVID-19

By Cesar Lopez, MD-PhD student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zackary Berger, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Severely ill incarcerated individuals will be hospitalized at disproportionately high rates during this pandemic. As always, healthcare professionals should treat them with dignity and respect. Better care of those who are imprisoned may help with our public health efforts and response.

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 

September 12, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Judy Huang: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

To be clinically excellent, you have to be able to put yourself in the shoes of your patient and their family.

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.  

October 15, 2024 | 3 min read

Finding healing in the wound  

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

In caring for patients, embrace the paradox of the wound. Recognize that illness can be an opportunity for their growth and personal transformation. Support them in exploring the spiritual and emotional dimensions of the experience. 

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.

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. 

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. 

May 28, 2020 | 4 min read

Masking Safety

By Paul Nestadt, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Some patients are unable to understand the need for protective measures against COVID. Clinicians working with these patients are at increased risk, and may need to advocate for additional PPE for their healthcare team.

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.

September 5, 2018 | <1 min read

Interview with Dr. Wolff: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

A 3-minute video interview with oncologist Antonio Wolff, MD, on the privilege of taking care of patients.

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. 

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. 

March 3, 2021 | 3 min read

Understanding the Sacrifices we Make in Medicine

By James Aluri, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Giving excellent care to every patient requires you to make significant sacrifices. Acknowledging this can help you understand, and even accept, these sacrifices.

May 1, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Ed Kraus, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

"Whenever I sit with a patient, I try as hard as I can to see the world through their eyes." ~ Dr. Ed Kraus

October 16, 2023 | 1 min read

Clinging to Hope

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nitin Narayan, medical student, Gujarat, India

A patient’s family wasn’t ready to accept that their loved one wouldn’t recover. From the encounter, I learned that sometimes it may be appropriate to delay such conversations for a little while. 

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.

December 6, 2021 | 1 min read

Replacing a Void With Joy

By Kevin Frick, PhD, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

I recently went from being vice dean at a business school to “just” a professor. Although society generally measures success by whether a person “moves up,” returning to what I find most interesting and inspiring has increased my well-being, happiness, and fulfillment.

April 2, 2018 | 2 min read

Being a Guide on the Journey to Health

By Manisha Loss, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

As a guide on this journey with our patients to health, we must serve as an example of hope, understanding, and direction.

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.

September 10, 2018 | 2 min read

Defusing Patients’ Emotional Stress

By James Black, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I believe it's my first responsibility to recognize my patients' emotional stress and start to defuse it. I do this by framing the ongoing issue in a way that is understandable to the patient and their family.

February 21, 2023 | 1 min read

Lessons From The Novel “Sharks in The Time of Saviors”

By Margaret Olsen Hemming

This book may resonate with clinicians as it explores the complex process of healing—the rewards of its successes, as well as the toll of its limitation. 

January 28, 2021 | 3 min read

Purple Nail Polish

By Shauna Maty, MPH, Medical Student, St. George University

Always remember that your patient is a person with a family, friends, and a unique story. Your first responsibility as a healthcare professional is to heal your patient and your second is to learn.

October 10, 2023 | 1 min read

Back on Track 

By Zoobia Chaudhry, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By encouraging patients and supporting their self-efficacy, we can empower them to take charge of their health. 

November 29, 2021 | 3 min read

Being Your Patient’s Advocate

By Sabrina Chen, medical student, New York University

Some supervising physicians may occasionally seem annoyed by medical students’ questions. As a trainee, I’ve learned to speak up anyways, as my question can make the difference between life and death.

November 17, 2023 | 5 min read

Hike Your Own Hike

By Lillian Hayes, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University

Medical training and practice are marked by constant change, which can feel uncomfortable. Embracing discomfort as an opportunity for growth can help us to improve our care of patients.

March 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Hold my hand 

By Jonathan McFarland, Medical Humanist, Autonomous University of Madrid & University of Pompeu Fabra

When my friend was dying, I realized the importance of a comforting touch, like holding hands. This physical connection can give comfort to both healer and patient.  

December 18, 2025 | 2 min read

Leaning on the wisdom of others 

On challenging days, wise quotations on letting go of worry help me remain grounded. Staying present and collaborating with colleagues lightens the mental load and improves care. 

February 16, 2023 | 2 min read

“Yes, we Won”

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I was inspired by the story of Damar Hamlin, an athlete and an advocate. His recovery generated unity among society at large, pride among healthcare professionals, and brought awareness to the importance of knowing CPR. 

September 24, 2024 | 1 min read

The “afterglow” 

By Alexis Coslick, DO, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Carey Roesler, PA-C, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Offering free sports physical exams for high school students reconnected us to our purpose. Consider doing a community service project like this to remember why you chose a career in medicine. 

January 13, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Support Your Learners During a Pandemic

Listening to your trainees is always the first step in prioritizing their well-being and mitigating burnout. This is especially important during challenging times.

April 17, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Ilene Browner, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Dr. Ilene Browner highlights the importance of learning and understanding her patients' hopes and goals of care.

July 16, 2018 | 2 min read

Commitment, Integrity, and Humility

By Luca Vricella, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Humility is what allows us to approach clinical challenges. Thus we should behave with humility to all of those around us: patients, families, and co-workers.

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 1, 2018 | 2 min read

Fewer Assumptions, Better Care

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

Assumptions may speed our diagnoses, but they hinder our interactions with our patients. Our assumptions and expectations of what a patient wants from their care can lead to missed opportunities to providing comprehensive and compassionate care.

April 27, 2020 | 1 min read

Therapy Dogs—Giving Joy Virtually

By Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Johns Hopkins Pet Therapy Program

In this time of waiting, many therapy dog programs share love and gratitude virtually—sending silly pictures, sweet thoughts, and getting ready for the day when they can visit in person once again.

December 12, 2025 | 4 min read

Slow caring: becoming a gardener of the soul and a mechanic of the body 

Balance fast medicine with slow medicine—use the right clinical tool while taking time to nurture the patient’s innate capacity to heal. 

January 7, 2021 | 4 min read

3 Steps to Develop Your Philosophy of Caring

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Identifying the principles that guide your care of patients will bring more meaning and purpose to your work. This can bring both you and your patients joy and fulfillment.