December 22, 2021 | 3 min read

Coping With Grief During The Holidays

By Ankita Sagar, MD, Brooklyn, New York

Having experienced my cousin’s death before Christmas reminds me that December isn’t a joyous time for everyone. I encourage those struggling to connect with loved ones and limit substance use. 

December 27, 2018 | 2 min read

“Charm City” Movie Review

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The upcoming film "Charm City" emphasizes that the struggles of each patient who comes to clinic extend far beyond a medical diagnosis. We must be conscious of our patients' many challenges and mindful to address them. Making time to ask about your patient's day-to-day concerns, worries, and fears about their homes, neighborhoods, and communities can help you to get a fuller perspective of their medical and social determinants of health. This will allow you to reach relevant goals of care together.

December 3, 2019 | 2 min read

A Novel Mentor

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

The clinically excellent clinician is guided by a commitment to advocate for the health and well-being of all who need care, no matter who they are.

April 3, 2024 | 2 min read

Military kids serve too 

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

April is the Month of the Military Child. Clinicians caring for military family members should understand their history and stressors specific to the armed service to give the best possible care.    

May 13, 2020 | 2 min read

Flattening the Inaccessibility Curve

By Bonnielin Swenor, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

There's been limited attention addressing the disability perspective during the pandemic. Finding creative solutions to accessibility challenges during this time is critical.

July 25, 2023 | 3 min read

Walk Toward The Fire

By Kencee Graves, MD, University of Utah

Like many other skills, navigating challenging conversations can be improved with practice. Noticing and addressing non-verbal signs of conflict may result in a more productive conversation. 

March 17, 2021 | 3 min read

Making Unconscious Bias Training Work

By Verna Monson, PhD, Minneapolis, Minnesota

To be an antiracist, you must be aware of your own biases and learn from your missteps. And remember that unconscious bias training is only a starting point for dismantling discrimination.

July 14, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Talk to Children About Gun Violence

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Give children time and space to talk about their worries and listen closely. Remember, it’s always best for children to first hear the news from a trusted adult.

July 19, 2021 | 3 min read

Diversifying the clinician workforce

By Pringl Miller, MD, San Francisco, California

Diversifying the clinician workforce is associated with improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. So, what are we waiting for?

February 23, 2023 | 3 min read

Embracing Care Partners

By Ariel Green, MD, PhD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for older adults, collaborate with and support their care partners – their loved ones. Their vital roles are often overlooked. 

October 24, 2024 | 2 min read

The heat is on: How to keep patients cool and safe 

Rising temperatures due to climate change affect patients of all ages, particularly those with chronic health conditions. Counsel patients on strategies to prevent heat-related medical complications. 

December 8, 2021 | 2 min read

Hitting Home Runs in Healthcare

By Colin West, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic

Clinicians often struggle with errors and imposter syndrome. Just like in sports, coaching helps clinical performance and promotes well-being.

September 21, 2020 | 4 min read

Full-Body Under White Coat

By Kayla Eboreime, Medical Student, University of Texas Medical Branch

To increase the comfort level of all patients, it’s imperative to weigh people privately. Displaying inclusive images on our walls and avoiding stigmatizing language is essential to make all patients feel welcome.

March 14, 2024 | 3 min read

Why sexual orientation and gender identity in the EMR matters 

By Tyler Cornell, MSN/MPH, CRNP (she/her), Johns Hopkins Medicine  

Always ask patients about their gender identity, preferred name, pronouns, and how they define their sexual orientation. This builds trust and helps your patients feel safe to return for follow-up. 

May 16, 2019 | 5 min read

Starry, Starry Night

By Juliette Perzhinsky, MD, MSc, Central Michigan University

There are times that as clinicians we become patients ourselves, needing compassionate care for injuries entirely unrelated to our chief complaint.

February 6, 2023 | 1 min read

Finding Peace

By Sandra Burke, PhD, Pacifica Graduate Institute

Nurturing ourselves allows us to better heal our patients. Practicing mindful habits, like deep breathing, is one way we can engage in self-care. 

October 17, 2024 | 2 min read

Gaming for mental health 

By Barry Bryant, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Understanding the therapeutic potential of video games is important. Clinicians may elect to recommend them for certain young patients struggling with mental health challenges.

December 7, 2021 | 3 min read

A Window Into a Patient’s World

By Deirdre Johnston, MBBCh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Visiting a patient’s home environment, either virtually or in person, may shed light on the source of their distress.

November 12, 2018 | 3 min read

Insights From “A Whole New Mind”

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

Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind" highlights the importance of cultivating empathy, humor, and the ability to create meaning.

November 29, 2022 | 2 min read

A Weighty Matter

By Colleen Schreyer, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Weight bias is common, harms patients, and may contribute to poor health outcomes.  

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.

November 7, 2019 | 4 min read

Responsible Opioid Prescribing

By Travis Rieder, PhD, Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics

Responsible opioid prescribing requires navigating between the Scylla of over-prescribing and the Charybdis of under-prescribing. Clinicians can work toward this goal by initiating prescriptions when (and only when) appropriate, managing them over the long-term, and knowing how to compassionately deprescribe when the time comes.

May 2, 2019 | 4 min read

Grieving Unexpected Patient Outcomes

By Stacia Dearmin, MD, Akron Children\'s Hospital

Acknowledging and processing grief can bring healing to the clinician.

June 15, 2023 | 1 min read

Lessons From a Humble Mentor 

By Rafael Llinas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My mentor, Dr. Martin Samuels, modeled outstanding communication skills with patients, colleagues, and trainees. He discussed times when he was wrong so that others could learn from his mistakes. 

November 7, 2018 | 3 min read

How to Reduce Caregiver Burden

By Jessica Colburn, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Healthcare providers have the ability to provide support, connection, and resources that can help to reduce caregiver burden and increase caregiver joy.

June 28, 2021 | 2 min read

Carrying Pride Month Year Round

By Carl G. Streed Jr., MD, MPH, Boston Medical Center

The skills with which we care for LGBTQ patients, including affirmation and support, will allow us to better care for ALL patients.

October 31, 2019 | 1 min read

A Physician, a Zombie, and a Patient Walk into a Bar

By Michelle Gyenes, MS, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health

We are more like zombies than you might think. This fact reminds us that we should be able to find commonalities with all of our patients and colleagues. Happy Halloween!

May 18, 2023 | 2 min read

Ballet And Medicine

By Maria Guinle, medical student, Stanford Medicine

Medicine is similar to dancing. Learning from mistakes and working as part of a team are necessary for success. 

December 2, 2019 | 2 min read

Improving Communication Between Inpatient Teams and PCPs

By Stephen Berry, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While it's not always easy, hospital-based providers need to find a way to connect with the healthcare professionals who will continue their patient's care.

July 24, 2023 | 2 min read

Prince of Yonkers

By Carey Roesler, PA-C, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When my car broke down, a mechanic went above and beyond to make sure I made it to my aunt’s funeral. This reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to help my patients through challenging times. 

February 18, 2021 | 2 min read

Art is Integral to Healthcare

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

Engaging with art can address some of medicine’s greatest challenges, including recognizing our common humanity.

November 28, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Jim Black, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

A favorite part of my job is telling patients when they, in fact, do NOT need surgery!

July 7, 2022 | 1 min read

Filial Affection

By Corliss Wong, MS4, The University of Hong Kong

We must listen closely to patients with dementia’s thoughts and feelings, even though their sense of reality may be different than our own.

July 14, 2020 | 5 min read

Top 10 Tips For Great Sleep During the Pandemic

By Logan Schneider, MD, Stanford Medicine

Great sleep is a foundation of health—both for healthcare professionals and our patients. Because sleep can be disturbed with the stress of the pandemic, it's important to commit to sleep-promoting habits and routines.

February 29, 2024 | 1 min read

“It could happen to you”

By Hayley Sparks, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When talking with vaccine-hesitant patients, I bring up the recent measles outbreaks. It can be effective to use current events to motivate better compliance with immunization guidelines. 

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.

May 14, 2019 | 4 min read

Review of “Critical Crash”

By Andre Lijoi, MD, York, Pennsylvania

We all have our woundedness, and our own story is important in the context of caring for our patients. These stories and wounds operate in the background of our consciousness and we must recognize and manage them.

January 4, 2023 | 2 min read

Intergenerational Connections

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We can benefit from relationships with those of different ages. Encourage patients to consider joining a community group with people from across generations. 

September 19, 2024 | 3 min read

Breaking the silence on bladder and sexual dysfunction 

By Tamara Kaplan, MD, Brigham and Womens Hospital

Excellent clinical care requires addressing overlooked and under-treated aspects of patients' lives. This includes fostering open communication about sensitive topics and providing compassionate support. 

March 8, 2022 | 3 min read

Tips For Assessing The Intensity of Pain

By Brian Lee, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, David Madder, DO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When assessing pain, we often ask patients to assign it a number between 0 and 10. Asking about the effect of pain on behavior and functional status can often give us a more meaningful understanding. 

November 20, 2019 | 2 min read

“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down”

By Laura Pugh, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The gap between cultural systems can be wide. Openness, curiosity, and humility will improve cross-cultural care.

July 10, 2018 | <1 min read

Better Dementia Care Through Music

By Michele Bellantoni, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Having your older patients listen to music can be an effective way to reduce dementia-related behavioral disturbances.

February 23, 2021 | 3 min read

Tips For Giving Medical Updates to Families

By Joshua Budhu, MD, Mass General

A physician’s disappointment in hearing surprises about his loved one’s condition sparked new insights on the value of regularly updating families about the patient.

April 18, 2019 | 2 min read

The Importance of Rest

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Make time for rest in order to lead a good life! This includes not working around-the-clock, prioritizing both work and non-work activities equally, and using your vacation time!

July 6, 2022 | 1 min read

Any Side Effects?

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Teaching my patients to ask questions helps address their worries about medications. 

July 21, 2020 | 1 min read

Medicine is Like Golf

By Barry Bryant, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In both medicine and golf, it's helpful to accept that much is beyond our control. Trusting our ability —grounded in thousands of hours of focused practice—may allow us to have the confidence that our best efforts will usually translate into favorable results.

February 12, 2024 | 2 min read

Recognizing and treating substance use disorders in healthcare professionals 

By Gregory Hobelmann, MD, MPH, President of Ashley Addiction Treatment

Healthcare professionals are at least just as vulnerable to substance use disorders as the general public. It never occurred to me that I may be among those numbers, but I am. 

September 13, 2021 | 4 min read

Only Connect

By Susrutha “Sus” Kotwal, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Missing a diagnosis made me realize the value of a thorough physical exam. It can often illuminate the cause of the illness.

May 7, 2019 | 2 min read

Finding Balance

By Danielle Johnson, MD, Lindner Center of HOPE, University of Cincinnati

Small gestures while supporting patients through trauma and grief can make a big difference.

January 3, 2023 | 3 min read

Having fun can change your life

By Mike Rucker, PhD, Active Wellness

Lack of time and minimal control of your schedule can be significant sources of burnout. Discover simple ways to reclaim your time and integrate pleasurable experiences.