June 27, 2024 | 2 min read

Lessons from earlier in life: from public school teaching to doctoring  

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

I apply the principles I learned as a public school teacher to patient care: asking insightful questions, seeing the whole person, and fostering motivation for positive change. 

June 26, 2024 | 2 min read

White Coat Ceremony 

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Medical school traditions and ceremonies are to be cherished and appreciated. They also provide educators with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of teaching and mentoring. 

June 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Lessons from an earlier life: Latin dance

By Neha Santucci, MD, Cincinnati Childrens

My experiences with both dancing and patient care have taught me that connection and passion are key. In medicine, like in dance, I focus on building strong relationships and finding joy. 

August 6, 2018 | <1 min read

Treat All Patients Like A Family Member

By Hugh Calkins, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I care for all patients as if they were a family member.

June 11, 2024 | 2 min read

From pizza pans to pain plans 

By Christle Nwora, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For young adults transitioning to adult care, building trust and rapport is crucial. With permission, it may be helpful to continue involving parents in care plans to improve health outcomes.  

August 1, 2018 | <1 min read

Introducing “A CLOSLER Look”

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Check out the first video our new weekly series, “A CLOSLER Look,” featuring short and sweet interviews with clinically excellent physicians. On tap today - psychiatrist Dr. Margaret Chisolm.

June 3, 2024 | 2 min read

Book review: “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton 

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

This page-turner about friendship reminds readers that relationships are not easy and require sustained care and attention. In medicine and life, this can lead to meaningful and loyal bonds. 

May 29, 2024 | 1 min read

Unstable housing, unstable health

By Stasia Reynolds, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Routinely asking patients about housing insecurity can help identify those who are at-risk of poor health outcomes. Understanding a patient's living situation can help you provide realistic guidance.  

May 28, 2024 | 3 min read

Catching Zzzs

By Kimberlee Parker, DO, MPH, Baylor College of Medicine

Many traditional practices, like pre-dawn pre-rounding, disrupt patient sleep. Prioritizing patient comfort can be a form of compassion and contribute to healing. 

July 30, 2018 | 2 min read

Stepping Forward

By Dorianne Feldman, MD, MS, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

There is no greater reward than the gratitude of a patient you've helped to heal.

May 7, 2024 | 3 min read

“My patient is dying”

By Nakiya Showell, MD, MPH, MHS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Excellent patient care goes beyond medical expertise. Building relationships, clear communication, and emotional intelligence are crucial for compassionate care, especially in the face of critical illness. 

May 7, 2024 | 1 min read

Shifting careers

By Zeina Moukarzel, MD, MPH, Beirut, Lebanon

As healthcare professionals, there are multiple ways to have a positive impact on the world. If and when you step away from patient care, thoughtfully consider what will bring fulfillment and purpose. 

May 7, 2024 | 2 min read

Kids in tow 

By Martina Anto-Ocrah, PhD, MPH, University of Pittsburgh

I once had to bring my four children with me to an OB-GYN appointment. It reminded me that it’s important to recognize that patients may have challenges getting to clinic, and to work with them to find solutions. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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 

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.

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.

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.  

February 22, 2024 | 1 min read

A journey through time 

By Beatriz Rizkallah Alves, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital

As a young doctor, I cared for a centenarian. I realized that I’d never fully appreciated the complexity and challenges of aging—I now take extra time to uncover my older patients’ struggles. 

February 13, 2024 | 3 min read

Unsent letters from a palliative care doctor to a patient and her dog 

By Lingsheng Li, MD, MHS, University of California, San Franscisco

Sometimes we never get the chance to tell a patient what we admire about them. After my patient died, I realized I’d been inspired by the inner strength she showed by caring for her dog despite health and life challenges. 

February 6, 2024 | 2 min read

Co-bearers of suffering

By Mike McCarthy, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes a patient’s pain can’t be eliminated. However, we can still walk with them as a co-bearer of suffering. 

January 29, 2024 | 2 min read

Life after grief 

By Jaime Jump, DO, Texas Childrens Hospital

I was invited to a baby shower for the sibling of a baby who had died in my care. Talking with the parents taught me that beyond sadness, there can be hope and joy.  

July 23, 2018 | 1 min read

Consider The Patient First

By Julie Hoover-Fong, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Whatever decision is best for the patient is the right one to manage the problem at hand.

July 24, 2018 | 2 min read

Why I Attend My Patients’ Funerals

I try to go to my patients' funerals because they are profound and humbling experiences.

January 10, 2024 | 2 min read

Risk and reward 

By Hien Tan Nguyen, MD, MBA, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

During surgical residency training, I learned how to operate. In practice, I learned how to decide WHETHER to operate based on individualized versus protocol-driven parameters. 

January 2, 2024 | 1 min read

Thank you lessons

By Gail Berkenblit, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When patients express thanks, they teach us what matters most to them. They often mention careful listening and conveying empathy and compassion. 

December 20, 2023 | 3 min read

Unhappy holidays

By Larkin Corrigan, MSW, Portland, Oregon

During “the most wonderful time of the year,” we can remind patients, loved ones, and ourselves, that grief often sits side by side with joy at the holiday table, and that’s ok.  

July 19, 2018 | 1 min read

Reflections on “Will You Forgive Me for Saving You?”

By Ivor Berkowitz, MBBCh, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A pediatric intensivist offers reflections on a moving piece from the NEJM.

December 14, 2023 | 2 min read

Listening for meaning

By Ben Roberts, CRNP, AGACNP-BC, ACHPN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In my palliative care career, I’ve learned that aligning care with patient goals is one of the most important parts of clinical excellence. To do this, I listen to truly understand what the patient wants. 

December 13, 2023 | 1 min read

Micro-acts of joy 

Focusing on your own wellness doesn’t take a lot of time. A simple practice like listing three things you’re grateful for each day can reduce burnout. 

December 11, 2023 | 3 min read

A jagged landscape  

By Jen Nixon, PhD, Cone Health, North Carolina, Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, Cone Health, North Carolina

Navigating the pathway to finding help for patients lacking resources can be challenging. It may be helpful to first focus on listening to and understanding patient barriers to care.

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

October 3, 2023 | 2 min read

Never Forget Where You Came From

By Hanghang Wang, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Reflecting on my journey to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon reminds me of how far I've come. This also helps me to imagine the rewards of giving clinically excellent care to future patients. 

September 21, 2023 | 1 min read

Healthcare Professionals And Fatal Overdose

By Hannah Fetting, MSN, CRNP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Colleagues with a substance use disorder deserve the utmost compassion. We can offer nonjudgmental support, just like we do for all other conditions. 

September 12, 2023 | 2 min read

The Gift of Time

By Meshulam Twerski, medical student, Penn Medicine

Medical students have more time than doctors to get to know patients as people and uncover unspoken fears about their illness and treatment. 

August 14, 2023 | 3 min read

Accentuate The Positive

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Sometimes interactions with patients may feel challenging. Expressing gratitude to patients for positive encounters may help reduce stress and bring joy.

August 3, 2023 | 3 min read

A Glass of Milk

By Kyle Glienke, MD, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Iowa

When I was working with my grandpa as a dairy farmer, he said what made it all worth it was knowing how many children needed the milk. As a doctor, I find meaning by reminding myself how many people need care.