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December 16, 2020 | 2 min read

The Danger of Stereotyping Specialties

By Sarah Temkin, MD, Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Clinicians must critically evaluate the stereotypes that they assign to one another. A diversity of training and backgrounds is beneficial to patient care.

May 21, 2019 | 3 min read

Telling People Terrible Things

By Amy Caruso Brown, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University

Learning to break bad news gently takes time and practice, with the goal of telling the most terrible things to our patients a little bit less terrible.

January 23, 2024 | 1 min read

Book review of “The algorithm will see you now”

By Joan Naidorf, DO

In this medical thriller set in the not-too-distant future, diagnosis and treatment are performed entirely by AI. The novel serves as a reminder that AI must be used thoughtfully and responsibly.

October 22, 2018 | 2 min read

Giving Compassionate Care

My goal is to to be a clinically excellent oncologist, which means being compassionate, spending time with patients and families in order to understand their needs, helping with treatment decisions, and being there for end-of-life decisions as well as hospice care.

October 16, 2019 | 2 min read

How to Show Empathy When Patients Express Anger

By Zainab Obaidi, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

There are strategies that can be used effectively when patients express anger.

May 14, 2020 | 3 min read

Stay at Home When Possible as Restrictions Ease

By Nina Shapiro, MD, University of California Los Angeles

It’s important to remind patients and loved ones that avoiding unnecessary socialization and travel can save lives.

January 26, 2023 | 2 min read

The Things You Don’t Say

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Writing poetry, like other forms of creative self-expression, can be a way to process distressing events in clinical care.

December 20, 2023 | 3 min read

Unhappy holidays

By Larkin Corrigan, LMSW, Johns Hopkins Medicine

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.

November 7, 2022 | 2 min read

Suggestions For Coping With Grief

By Justin Jeffers, MD, MEHP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When you or others are grieving, give permission to be vulnerable and accept help. It may sometimes be helpful to work with a therapist.

November 30, 2023 | 1 min read

STD knows not your DOB

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Sex can be an important part of life in older age. My patient reminded me to address STD prevention and other intimacy concerns consistently in all sexually active adults.

October 2, 2024 | 1 min read

Pain management: a perspective from a doctor in Kuwait

Pain and suffering are ubiquitous. Observing approaches and practices in the U.S. highlighted for me the importance of open dialogue, patient empowerment, and multimodal approaches.

June 24, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Emotionally Support Patients Through Challenging Moments

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

When I was a med student, I tried to “fix” how my patient was feeling. I learned that many patients need time to sit with their feelings and that listening empathically can be the best approach.

September 12, 2024 | 2 min read

Validating feelings

I cared for a patient who had been rejected from a rehab facility because of her weight. I was reminded of the importance of acknowledging the patient’s emotions as part of the care plan.

May 25, 2022 | 2 min read

Between The Lines

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes patient questions aren’t something to answer quickly. Instead, they can create a space to explore underlying concerns.

April 26, 2022 | 1 min read

The Power of Beliefs

By Stephanie Trudeau, PhD, The Thrive Center For Human Development

Explore your patient’s beliefs that invite healing, as well as those that are causing them to suffer. By understanding this, you can guide them to do more of the former and less of the latter.

June 13, 2024 | 2 min read

Lightening the load

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians can prioritize patient well-being by discussing the burden of engaging in care. Collaborate with patients to ensure recommendations are feasible and consider alternative approaches if necessary.

Three common zebras (Equus quagga), Kruger National Park, South Africa.

August 18, 2020 | 2 min read

Zebras Are Out There

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

Looking at the big picture and verifying details will help you consider diagnoses that may be unlikely, but still possible.

"When a patient is riding the wave of anger, instead of defensively explaining your kind intention and clinical justification for decisions, validate their experience."

March 3, 2022 | 1 min read

Listening to my Patient’s Anger

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When encountering an angry patient, validate feelings rather than becoming defensive.

"I was so excited to go home, be with my infant twins, sleep in my own bed, and eat homemade food."

November 30, 2020 | 2 min read

I Didn’t Know it Was You

By Rohini Harvey, MD, Baystate Health, Springfield, MA

My experience as a patient who didn’t get attention until I was identified as a physician is a reminder that every patient is important and deserves respect.

July 9, 2018 | 2 min read

Educator, Advocate, Surgeon, and Caregiver for Life

By Matthew Weiss, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

As a cancer surgeon, my approach to care focuses heavily on communication with patients and their loved ones. Quite simply, I treat patients as I would want to be treated myself as a patient.

August 1, 2024 | 3 min read

Prescribing art

By Anna Krotinger, MBE, medical student, Harvard Medical School

I’ve taught dance to patients with Parkinson’s and have seen great impact. By integrating the arts into clinical care, healthcare professionals can better support patients navigating their journey.

July 1, 2024 | 3 min read

The power of honesty

By Keshav Khanijow, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prioritizing clear communication with patients and using plain language to explain clinical information helps to build trust.

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.

June 3, 2019 | 1 min read

Every Piece of Data Matters

By Rabih Geha, MD, University of California San Francisco

Bolded, flagged, or typed in a different color, an abnormal result demands the mind’s eye in many modern EMRs, but it is equally important to direct our gaze to the quietly normal labs; not uncommonly, they may be screaming a powerful clue.

December 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“I need this test.”

By Pavitri Dwivedi, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When patients request a test that you think is unnecessary, be curious and elicit why they feel this way. Then address their concerns about the condition being screened.

December 4, 2023 | 2 min read

More than a “picture”

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

When explaining medical procedures to patients, use straightforward terms. Also, be mindful to maintain accuracy and clearly outline any risks.

September 6, 2022 | 3 min read

Photographs at The Bedside

By Charlotte Grinberg, MD, Tufts Medicine Care at Home

Asking to see videos and memorabilia from a patient’s past may help us connect with each person in a more personal and complete way.

July 26, 2018 | 1 min read

A Taste of Their Own Medicine

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Videos spreading misinformation to patients, promoting unproven therapies, can spread like wildfire on social media. We are sharing another video to fight fire with fire.

January 14, 2020 | 3 min read

A Relationship Between Equals

By Madeline Rodriguez, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The clinically excellent practice is centered on core humanistic values rather than on efficiency or productivity.

"An Orchid," Georgia O'Keefe, 1941, Museum of Modern Art.

November 13, 2018 | 2 min read

Seeing the Unseen

By Lauren Small, PhD

To start seeing the unseen, carving out five minutes to sit down and just listen to your patient can make a difference.

October 9, 2018 | 2 min read

Five Authors to Follow

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Reading for a few minutes before bedtime is a calming habit, and a great way to fit in a few words from inspiring authors to fuel your practice.

November 5, 2019 | 3 min read

A Series of Biases: Murphy’s Law at Play

By Sonal Gandhi, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Biases get in the way of our clinical reasoning. When the data doesn't fit, clinically excellent providers re-examine their assumptions.

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.

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.

July 23, 2019 | 3 min read

Engaging Care Partners in Communication

By Antonio Wolff, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Jennifer Aufill, BA, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Jennifer Wolff, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Families and friends are valuable resources. These partners in care can help clinicians improve quality of care and patient outcomes.

August 9, 2018 | 4 min read

Becoming a better ally

By Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

LGBTQ seniors are at a significantly higher risk for health disparities and frequently withhold their gender identity or sexual orientation from their physician due to fear of being turned away or discriminated against. It is up to each of us to educate ourselves so we can be empowered to routinely ask about the sexual health of our aging patients.

August 14, 2019 | 3 min read

What Physics Taught me About Patient Stories

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

As in physics, the answers are usually in plain sight. Listening to our patients with curiosity and humility will usually lead to understanding.

July 19, 2023 | 2 min read

Sacred Spaces

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

Patients often experience the most vulnerable moments of their lives with clinicians. These shared intimacies refuel my passion for caregiving and are a fulfilling part of medical practice.

September 23, 2024 | 3 min read

The rabbit hole

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

Through my own experience as a patient, I was reminded that ordering diagnostic tests should be approached with caution and careful consideration of the potential implications. These include the likelihood of additional testing and increased anxiety.

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.

Painting by David Kopacz, copyright with the artist.

July 11, 2023 | 5 min read

Partial Listening is Partial Medicine

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Sometimes we hear only what we're listening for, and if we divide attention, we can miss critical information. We must strive to Iisten with the "third ear" to hear not only what's said, but also what's unsaid.

August 19, 2024 | 3 min read

Patient-powered research

Clinicians can empower patients through transparency, involvement, and ownership in the research process. This can foster a deeper connection with scientific discovery, enhance dignity, and advance health outcomes for all.

June 20, 2023 | 1 min read

The Road Not Taken

By Antonio Forte, LMSW, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Larkin Corrigan, LMSW, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If patients can’t manage on their own, clinicians and staff can help them use social support networks and other resources to find transportation to their appointments. Virtual visits can also be considered.

April 1, 2021 | 3 min read

April Fool’s Joke: The Text Message

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Don’t be a fool. IMHO, getting to know patients as individuals isn’t necessary. Is it rewarding? I’m ROFL.

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.

After a clinic visit with a Black girl and her father, the dad asked where I went to college. When I told him Stanford, he said, “I knew it!” Then, he looked at his daughter and said, “If she can do it, you can too!”

April 13, 2022 | 2 min read

The Role of Disclosure in Medicine

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

Carefully considered clinician self-disclosure can forge a more personal connection between patients and healthcare professionals.

May 22, 2023 | 5 min read

“Death is Never Neat”

By Rachel Coghlan, PhD, MPH, Center for Humanitarian Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health

There are many ways we support those journeying through illness and death. Our authentic caring often finds itself in this sometimes-messy space.

April 30, 2019 | 5 min read

A Response to “The 5A’s of Firearm Safety Counseling”

By David Madder, DO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I counsel ALL patients about gun safety, instead of ASKING every patient if they have guns in their home.

January 28, 2019 | 3 min read

Reflections on “Healing Alone”

By Helen Bradshaw, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

In defense of the practice of pimping, though the term is a regrettable word choice, I learned from having questions directed at me. And my frequently incorrect responses were usually met with thoughtful explanations.

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.