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. 

June 7, 2023 | 1 min read

Reflections on Candles

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Consider how we are beacons of hope for our patients and their loved ones as they navigate a potentially dark time in their lives. 

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 25, 2019 | 5 min read

General Internal Medicine: An Opportunity to Engage Holistically

By Paul O'Rourke, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

General internal medicine focuses on the importance of knowing and treating the whole patient. The entire patient, in their biopsychosocial context, must always be considered to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

July 27, 2021 | 3 min read

Lessons From My Experience as a Grandpa And Clinician

By Ivor Berkowitz, MBBCh, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My experience of feeling helpless through my grandchild’s illness reminded me that kindness, empathy, and honesty are central to giving clinically excellent care.

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.

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. 

April 14, 2020 | 3 min read

“Fall Down Seven Times, Get up Eight”

By Kittane "Vishnu" Vishnupriya, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By persevering together, we can get through any crisis. We must try our best to face the current challenges with grace and compassion for others.

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 1, 2023 | 3 min read

Meditations For Pride Month

By Hailey Haffey, PhD, University of Utah

LGBTQ2S+ Pride Month can provide us with a time not only to celebrate but also to reflect on questions related to shame and alliances in medicine. 

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. 

March 26, 2019 | 3 min read

Tunnel Carver

By Christopher Wolfgang, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

"Carve a tunnel of hope through the dark tunnel of disappointment." ~ Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

May 21, 2018 | 3 min read

Listening and Communicating

By Justin McArthur, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The clinical mission and values statement of a neurologist, sharing thoughtful tips on listening and communicating with patients and their families.

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.

April 16, 2020 | 1 min read

Designing Your Life in Medicine

By Lynae Conyers, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Thoughtful career exploration may promote well-being and protect against burnout. Life design practices may guide you along your career journey.

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.  

January 14, 2026 | 6 min read

Lessons for healthcare delivery from “It’s a Wonderful Life” 

Choose George Bailey’s philosophy of stewardship—advocate for payment and employment models that reward continuity and community health. 

May 31, 2023 | 1 min read

Lessons From a Leaf-Coated Dog

By Catherine Callister, MD, University of Colorado

Encouraging patients to bring things that remind them of home to the hospital may help promote healing.  

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. 

January 23, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Michele Bellantoni, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

In long-term care we're able to develop personal relationships with our patients, and thus in our Geriatrics, physician burnout rates are lower. The personal relationships with patients create both meaning and joy.

July 8, 2021 | 1 min read

Reaching Out to Your Patient’s Family When Death is Imminent

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

When my friend died of pancreatic cancer recently, I saw how valuable it was for her family to hear from the treating physician. Going forward, I will emulate this inspiring practice.

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. 

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 9, 2020 | 3 min read

Mentoring While Social Distancing

By Ruth Gotian, EdD, MS, Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Mentoring Academy

The pandemic is a critical time for clinically excellent role models to continue mentoring. Separation creates opportunities to connect in new ways.

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.

January 9, 2026 | 2 min read

Rule three: Be grateful always 

Consider practicing daily gratitude—like noticing small acts of kindness—to strengthen empathy, buffer burnout, and reconnect to your professional “why.” 

May 24, 2023 | 3 min read

An Email Chain That Made me Smile 

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Each year of life has lessons to teach us. The insights in this piece may serve as a reminder to seek out advice from those who are older, and to make time for reflection. 

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.

May 16, 2018 | 2 min read

The Stigma of Opioid Use Disorder

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Building a strong therapeutic alliance between patient and clinician—via open communication, mutual respect, and trust—is a lifeline for the individual patient with an Opioid Use Disorder.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 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 17, 2021 | 5 min read

Lessons from 1865: What clinicians can learn from Juneteenth (archives, 2021)

On June 19 we can work toward unlearning inaccurate history, practicing critical reflection, and engaging in transformative conversations. These steps and ongoing advocacy should help promote health equity and equal opportunities for all—including healthcare professionals.

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

May 15, 2023 | 3 min read

Ode to Joy

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When I look for reasons to smile at work, I find them. Simple things like a hug from a colleague or listening to a patient share their story can brighten our days.

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.

June 14, 2021 | 3 min read

How Trainees Improve The Care of Patients

By Jared Rubenstein, MD, Baylor College of Medicine, Leyat Tal, MD, Texas Childrens Hospital

While the experience of being a trainee doesn’t always feel impactful, from our perspective as attending physicians and parents of a sick child, know that what you do matters.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

May 3, 2023 | 1 min read

Love And Loss

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When a patient is unresponsive, loved ones may have differing ideas about the patient’s condition. We can hold these contradictions with compassion and see them as expressions of love.