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 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.

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.

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 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 22, 2025 | 5 min read

Let the language live 

Daily clinical interactions, marked by honest communication and empathy, hold unique power for healing and justice. 

March 30, 2020 | 1 min read

Serving the Socially Vulnerable During the Pandemic

By Deidra Crews, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Excellent clinicians must think of creative ways to serve all of our patients during this time of crisis, and keep the most vulnerable at the front of our minds.

October 23, 2025 | 2 min read

Move over FOMO 

ROMO—the Relief of Missing Out—is the burnout antidote you can start tonight. Consider skipping the next conference and protecting your weekends to have energy to give exceptional care to every patient. 

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.

January 3, 2019 | 1 min read

Post-Holiday Reflections

Throughout the entirety of the year, placing emphasis on humanity and connecting with patients is paramount.

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.

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.

March 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Knowing and Caring For The Patient As A Person

By Kimberly Peairs, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Medical care extends far beyond simply treating a disease—it involves forging a relationship and offering trust, support, and wisdom. 

October 20, 2025 | 2 min read

White coat/blue gown 

When I became a patient, loss of control helped me realize how much trust I needed to place in my doctor. As a clinician, I will remember my experience and the need to build trust with candor and clear communication. 

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.

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.  

December 28, 2018 | 3 min read

How do you measure a year?

By Dawn Harris Sherling, MD, Florida Atlantic University

How do we measure a year in medicine? I’d like to measure mine in patient laughter, hugs, and lives that were made just a little bit better.

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. 

February 11, 2020 | 2 min read

Moving Mountains

By Susan Huff, RN, MSN, Johns Hopkins Homecare Group

In end of life care, excellent clinicians can and should move mountains to get patients home if that's where they want and need to be.

October 15, 2025 | 3 min read

Mea culpa 

When speaking with a patient who was upset about the long wait time, I reminded myself to apologize without excuses and center the patient’s reality over my schedule. 

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.

December 12, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Ivor Berkowitz, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

"I approach comforting my patients and their families by sitting at my patient's bedside with kindness and respect, aware of religious and cultural customs, and use a vocabulary that everyone in the family will understand."

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. 

April 9, 2025 | 2 min read

Feeling secure

Sometimes the most profound acts of care aren't medical interventions, but recognizing the simple comforts that anchor patients, like a cherished stuffed animal.

January 7, 2020 | 3 min read

Like Father, Like Son—or Possibly Not

By John Launer, MD, London, United Kingdom

Would you advise young people to become a doctor? Reflection from a father and son below.

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. 

October 14, 2025 | 5 min read

Procedures that are painful for both patients and clinicians

Some medical procedures are uncomfortable and do not go quickly or smoothly. The patient’s well-being and the need to complete the task must both be thoughtfully considered continuously. 

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.

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.

December 10, 2018 | 3 min read

Immigrants Should Not Have to Choose Between Health and a Green Card

By Lochan Shah, Neha Anand, Priyal Gandhi

We urge you to leverage your voice as an agent of change by submitting a comment opposing the proposed rule to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before the deadline, TODAY, December 10, 2018. Make your voice heard so that families across the country do not have to choose between their health and their immigration status.

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?

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 19, 2018 | 5 min read

Deep and Active Listening

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The essence of good doctoring is to listen attentively and respectfully to the concerns of your patient.

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.

August 29, 2018 | <1 min read

Interview With Dr. Geetha: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

On the importance of meaningful long-term patient-physician partnerships: enjoy a 3-minute video interview with Dr. Duvuru Geetha.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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 19, 2025 | 3 min read

Lessons from caring for Syrian refugees 

By Nagina Khan, PhD, University of Kent

Seek to understand the unique cultural context of patients who have undergone trauma. This is paramount to building trust and providing effective care—especially for vulnerable populations, like refugees. 

December 9, 2019 | 1 min read

Presence in Final Moments

Traditionally, we have "protected" families from witnessing abrupt or unexpected death in our hospitals. This assumption may be incorrect; offering families the chance to be present can be what is wanted and needed.

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.  

September 30, 2025 | 1 min read

More time

It is best for goals-of-care conversations to happen as early as possible. Clinicians can use these discussions to help guide shared decision making around end-of-life care.  

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 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. 

December 6, 2018 | 5 min read

Lines Blurred

By Ekene Ojukwu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Really taking care of a patient means making hard choices, saying things people don’t want to hear, and letting them decide if they will engage in their own care. At the same time, it means learning different ways of listening, looking for opportunities and strategies to trust our patients, believing their stories, and seeing them as full individuals

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.