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June 23, 2020 | 1 min read

Connecting Despite Physical Distance

By Carey Roesler, PA-C, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Telemedicine visits are an opportunity to hone our listening skills, thus improving the care of our patients.

Mollie, a superhero therapy dog who works with the author's pet therapy team. Copyright by the author.

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.

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.

April 15, 2020 | 2 min read

Keeping Older Adults Connected

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Social distancing can increase loneliness, especially among older adults. Finding ways to stay connected through phone and virtual visits can combat social isolation.

June 29, 2020 | 2 min read

Lessons From the AIDS Epidemic

By Melinda Kantsiper, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In times of crisis, it can be helpful to listen and learn from the stories of those who have come before us.

Helen Brooke Taussig (May 24, 1898 - May 20, 1986), American cardiologist who founded the field of pediatric cardiology. Photograph taken for the cover of Modern Medicine, January 21, 1963. Wikipedia, public domain.

April 1, 2020 | 4 min read

Strength in Vulnerability

By Kamna Balhara, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sarah Clever, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

There is strength in acknowledging our fears individually and facing them collectively.

"Shamanic Vision." Original painting by the author. Copyright with the author.

April 2, 2020 | 4 min read

Staying Connected Inside and Out During the Pandemic

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Finding creative ways to connect to ourselves and to others is more important than ever in these days of social distancing.

March 26, 2020 | 2 min read

6 Ways to Stay Calm Amidst the Media Storm

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It is normal to feel anxious during uncertain times. However, there are tools that we can practice so that our anxieties don't overwhelm us. Remind yourself to come back to the present using a phrase such as "this moment is the only reality" or "one moment at a time."

"I think of my daughter standing on her tippy toes, her soapy hands in mine sticky with the day’s adventures. "

January 25, 2024 | 1 min read

At the scrub sink

By Brandi Scully, MD, MS, Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital

During the pandemic, living away from my family was rough. I found spending brief periods engaged in an artistic pursuit, like writing poetry, to be healing.

January 13, 2022 | 3 min read

How Being Foster Parents Has Improved Our Care of Patients

By Lindsay Terrell, MD, Duke University, Patrick Hemming, MD, Duke University

Fostering children reminds us of the foundational impact of genuine empathy and compassion on the well-being of those we care for.

December 14, 2021 | 1 min read

Supporting Loved Ones of People With Addictions

By Angela Orozco, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual. We can offer and introduce resources like Al-Anon to both patients and their loved ones.

3d illustration of a simulation of the coronavirus virus floating in a prison

September 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Moving Beyond Tuskegee

By Imani McElroy, MD, MPH, Mass General

I was able to help my incarcerated brother understand the benefits of COVID vaccination. He appreciated my input and became an advocate to convince other inmates. Much was learned about interacting with those who are vaccine hesitant—read the piece for my pearls.

March 26, 2021 | 5 min read

“The Danger of a Single Story”

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Margaret Hannah, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Rosemary Hawkins, MS, CCLS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A single narrative creates biases, reinforces stereotypes, and can prevent us from seeing the full potential in ourselves and others. Appreciating multiple stories can deepen and broaden our perspectives.

March 25, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Mitigate Imposter Syndrome

By Namrata Walia, MD, Baylor College of Medicine

Imposter syndrome can interfere with your ability to care for patients. If these feelings become overwhelming, consider working with a mental health professional.

"I asked his family what he'd want us to know about him and his daughter said he loves Irish music."

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.

January 27, 2021 | 2 min read

Gin And Tonic—Cultural Footprints of Disease

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

To mitigate incorrect assumptions about patients who have been infected with COVID-19, we must work to spread truths and to minimize inaccuracies—particularly those that may be shameful or demeaning.

January 14, 2021 | 2 min read

3 Strategies For Responding to Your Patient’s Experience of Loss

By Mollie Marr (she/her), MD/PhD student, Oregon Health & Science University

Even if you don’t fully understand your patient’s experience of loss, you can always listen, honor feelings, and show compassion.

January 12, 2021 | 2 min read

6 ways to engage families to support child mental health

By Barbara Robles, MD, University of Texas

Strong relationships with clinicians can empower children and their families to engage more fully in their mental health treatment.

November 19, 2020 | <1 min read

Quitting Smoking During The Pandemic

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Remind patients that quitting smoking is hard and takes time. This will help them take a first step toward better health.

"Many of us made unfair assumptions about the ability or willingness of older patients to embrace telemedicine, and have been humbled in recognizing our biases."

August 11, 2020 | 3 min read

Insights From Practicing Telemedicine

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

To make the most of video visits, stay attuned to your patients' nonverbal cues and avoid any background distractions in your environment.

February 2, 2022 | 1 min read

Lessons in Leadership During Adversity

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In difficult times, it’s helpful to understand others’ fears and concerns. Communicating clearly and regularly with those we serve is essential.

April 5, 2022 | 1 min read

Playing “Out of Book”

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Unexpected statements from patients can force clinicians to improvise. As in chess, it helps to view these as challenges with potential rewards.

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.

A patient's Maine coon kitten, pug puppy, and knitting project.

September 14, 2020 | 3 min read

The Unexpected Benefits of Seeing Patients Virtually

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Telemedicine allows patients and clinicians to see and respond to each other’s facial expressions. Plus, clinicians are offered deeper insight into their patient’s world.

"Deliberate practice is needed."

January 19, 2022 | 2 min read

Cognitive Psychology And Patient-Clinician Connections

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

To foster warmth toward patients, first be aware of how you’re feeling. If you're feeling burned out, you can intentionally practice cultivating a more caring attitude.

The owl has been used as a symbol of wisdom for millennia.

January 25, 2021 | 3 min read

How to be Clinically Excellent

By Laura Pugh, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinically excellent physicians sit at the same level as their patients, ask them about their fears, and are lifelong learners.

September 23, 2020 | 4 min read

Lessons From an Elective in Narrative Medicine

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Reflection reconnects you with yourself, opens opportunities for mentorship, and brings greater empathy to patient care.

"The Zubaran, St Hugh of Grenoble at the Carthusian Refectory," ca 1663. Owned by Museo de Bellas Artes, Sevilla.

August 13, 2020 | 3 min read

Exploring Professional Identity Through Art

By Angelica Kene Ezeigwe, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Reflecting periodically on why you chose medicine as a career may help you to reconnect with your passion and rekindle the joy of serving patients.

June 15, 2020 | 1 min read

Getting CLOSLER: A Note to Our Readers

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

For two years, CLOSLER has been stimulating healthcare professionals and trainees to reflect on giving exceptional care to every patient.

October 13, 2021 | 2 min read

Social Media During The Pandemic

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While social media is contributing to increased rates of depression during the pandemic, it also keeps us socially connected during challenging times.

September 7, 2021 | 1 min read

The Emotional Toll of The Ongoing Pandemic

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The pandemic is far from over—we are again faced with fears and uncertainties. It can be helpful to remind people to focus on what is in their control and to lean on their support systems.

July 7, 2020 | 1 min read

Curbside Care

By Marianne Fingerhood, NP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Whether seeing patients in-person or virtually, one of the most important aspects of care is the human connection.

October 5, 2020 | 3 min read

How to Talk About Your Patient’s Electronic Communication

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Asking patients to show you their social media posts may give unique insights into their mental well-being and improve care.

March 30, 2022 | 3 min read

Mitigating Maternal Mortality

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

A more diverse clinical workforce brings greater variety of perspectives in patient care which may improve clinical outcomes.

September 11, 2020 | 3 min read

No Regrets—A Lesson Amid a Pandemic

By Eric Last, DO, Northwell Health, Wantagh, New York

A decision made in good faith with the best available information shouldn’t be regretted even if it’s later proven wrong. All we can do is learn from the experience to improve our care of patients.

March 8, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Talk With The Media

By Stephanie McGann Jantzen, Strategic & Crisis Communications Professional

When speaking with the media about healthcare topics, provide up-to-date information, stick to the facts, and avoid medical jargon.

November 28, 2022 | 2 min read

What to Know About RSV

By Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

Let caregivers know that if symptoms are mild, they can watch children at home and encourage fluid intake. If having trouble breathing, the child should be seen right away.

September 10, 2024 | 4 min read

Our patients, our planet, ourselves

By Christopher Lemon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By understanding the environmental determinants of health, clinicians can contribute to the well-being of both patients and the planet.

November 16, 2020 | 5 min read

Breaking Bad on Video

By Mark Taubert, MD, Cardiff University, Wales

Traditionally, grave medical news is shared in person; we're now having to do so virtually. During such conversations, try to infuse as much warmth and compassion as possible.

November 24, 2021 | 4 min read

What I Learned When I Deleted my Social Media

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

When I stopped checking Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, I created a boundary between myself and the never-ending stream of noise and emotion. I now have more bandwidth to empathize with my patients’ feelings.

November 10, 2021 | 5 min read

Reading Between The Lines

We don’t always say what we’re thinking, particularly in difficult conversations. Sharing and exploring unspoken thoughts can lead to stronger connections with our patients and better care.

"Jazzed about teaching others? Volunteer for a few hours to teach K-12 students about medicine or science."

May 1, 2023 | 2 min read

Choose Your Own Adventure

By Laura Hanyok, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When choosing and leading well-being initiatives, consider what would most meaningfully help you and your colleagues thrive.

November 2, 2020 | 4 min read

Prescription for a healthy future—vote!

By Deanna Behrens, MD, Advocate Children\'s Hospital, Elizabeth Mack, MD, Jenna Miller, MD, Katherine Hoops, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians have a responsibility to advocate for policies that can improve the health of all. We must take our civic responsibility seriously and make a plan to vote.

"Helping Hands," by David Kopacz. Copyright with the artist.

November 3, 2020 | 4 min read

Beyond Resilience: Fighting the Causes of The Burnout Pandemic

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Clinician wellness should be a shared responsibility between individuals and institutions. Beyond facilitating clinician resilience, institutional transformation is needed.

June 25, 2021 | 3 min read

“Tell me About Yourself”

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

During my recent experiences interviewing for med school, I learned that the best interviewers, like the best clinicians, focused on my comfort and let our conversation flow naturally. Such prioritizations promote deeper human connections

January 5, 2023 | 1 min read

Quiet Quitting in Healthcare

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The past three years have been difficult in healthcare and some are now doing less than we used to. Because this may be a temporary strategy, patience and understanding may be the most considerate approach.

June 16, 2021 | 1 min read

Why we Must Talk About E-cigarettes with Teen Patients

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Proactively counseling adolescents about the risks of e-cigarette use is essential. The message should acknowledge both the health implications and the pressures that they may feel from their peers.

December 8, 2022 | 2 min read

Embracing Music to Cope With Burnout

By Tara Rajendran, MBBS, MFA, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Playing and listening to music every day fosters my well-being and allows me to take better care of patients.

September 28, 2020 | 2 min read

Practicing the Art of Listening

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Listening is essential for humanistic patient care. Listening without interrupting may strengthen the patient-clinician relationship.

September 1, 2022 | 2 min read

“Ticking Time Bomb”

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

If you use a metaphor when speaking with patients, make sure to choose ones that don’t cause unnecessary alarm.