November 15, 2018 | 3 min read

You’re Always a Provider, Even in the Coffee Line

By Ishwaria Subbiah, MD, MS, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Opportunities to ease distress extend beyond the bedside and outside of the clinic to every interaction with our patients and also their caregivers.

February 13, 2025 | 2 min read

“Facul-tea” 

By Laura Tafe, MD, Dartmouth-Hitchcock

To deepen relationships with colleagues, intentionally cultivate community by establishing regular, shared experiences—like a tea—that encourage connecting. Such gatherings may improve the overall well-being of the team. 

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.

October 22, 2019 | 2 min read

The Color of my Skin

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

With mentorship, advocacy, and open-mindedness by all, it is hoped that there will be greater diversity within the healthcare workforce.

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.  

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.

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.  

November 5, 2018 | 2 min read

Providing Holistic Care

By Nancy Hutton, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Excellence in clinical care requires intellectual rigor, keen observation, empathic communication, an understanding of the context in which the patient lives, and consideration of the individual patient as the center of 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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 15, 2018 | 1 min read

Gratitude as an antidote to burnout 

By Jennifer Janus, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

By focusing on the positive aspects of medicine, clinicians reduce stress and provide more compassionate care. Happy Thanksgiving! 

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. 

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.

June 21, 2022 | 2 min read

“Can’t you put him down?”

By Ivor Berkowitz, MBBCh, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Medical decision making for critically ill patients is complicated and difficult for everyone involved. It is our responsibility to ensure that patients and families are adequately informed to make choices that align with their values.   

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.

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.

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!

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.   

May 14, 2018 | 1 min read

Teamwork, Compassion, and Respect

By Derek Fine, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A clinical mission statement from a nephrologist: values important to the best patient centered clinical care include teamwork, compassion, and respect.

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.

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. 

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. 

June 11, 2018 | 5 min read

Caring For The Patient

By Michael Carducci, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

An oncologist shares his inspiring clinical mission and values statement on noticing beauty and knowing his patients.

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.

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. 

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 26, 2023 | 2 min read

Saying Yes to Joy in Practice

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Our patients and colleagues can inspire us. Being open to having fun and making genuine relationships in clinical settings can promote wellness. 

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 31, 2021 | 2 min read

Building on The Legacy of Pioneering Women in Medicine

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

Increasing the diversity of clinicians may improve patient outcomes, as well as the health of patients’ communities

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.

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.

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.

May 31, 2022 | 2 min read

3 Good Things

By Richard Wardrop , MD, PhD, Cleveland Clinic

Spring is a time of graduations, assuming new roles, and career transitions. It’s also a time to practice gratitude, lead, and strive for excellence. 

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.

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. 

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!

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. 

May 11, 2018 | <1 min read

Share A Story In One Tweet

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Hope you’re as moved as we were by these touching short stories from both healthcare providers and 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.

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.  

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.