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C L O S L E R
Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative
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Creative Arts in Medicine
Connecting with Patients
Passion in the Medical Profession
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence
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August 16, 2022 | 2 min read

Outbreaks as Opportunities

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

Talking about monkeypox and the return of polio can remind caregivers that vaccinating young children against other illnesses is essential.

December 29, 2020 | 4 min read

Lessons From “Diary of a Med Student”

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working in healthcare, we interact with people who can be offensive. A med student reflects on how best to respond to patients who are demeaning.

May 20, 2020 | 4 min read

Lessons From Ebola Outbreaks

By Linda Mobula, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prior epidemics, like Ebola, have taught us much about caring for patients. While PPE creates a barrier between ourselves and our patients, it’s still possible to give excellent care.

October 21, 2019 | 4 min read

Stepping Up to Climate Change

By Evans Brown, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The climate crisis is directly relevant to our work in healthcare. Healthcare professionals must step up and get involved.

May 3, 2021 | 6 min read

Why we Must Learn About Our Patients’ Communities

By Daniel Thomas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Make time to learn about and invest in the community you serve to deepen your connection with patients.

October 31, 2023 | 2 min read

It is 4 a.m.

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Burnout and emotional detachment are common in medical training. Being aware of this and truly listening to patients can help us renew our 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.

June 4, 2020 | 2 min read

Breaking the Silence—How to be an Active Bystander

By Ashlyn McRae, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lisa Cooper, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Matthew Crane, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Rachel Thornton, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Everyone should speak up when witnessing unprofessional behavior. This supports learners, advances health equity, and improves patient outcomes.

January 17, 2023 | 2 min read

Finding Meaning

By Jaime Jump, DO, Texas Childrens Hospital

When my seven-month-old-patient suffered severe neurological damage, despite having little to offer medically, I remembered I could still support her mother through this tragedy. Taking solace in this helps me to be present for my other patients. 

October 7, 2021 | 1 min read

Wildfires and public health

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals must work with the community they serve, focusing on open dialogues and communication. This will help citizens deal with unforeseen challenges.

August 25, 2022 | 3 min read

Hugs Are Medicine

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Showing genuine warmth is a compassionate way to comfort our patients. 

August 1, 2023 | 2 min read

Psychological First Aid

By Albert Wu, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Matt Norvell, DMin, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals experience traumatic events that may exceed their ability to cope. Timely emotional support can help maintain their well-being. 

December 30, 2020 | 4 min read

Grateful For #MedTwitter in 2020 

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

Despite physical distancing during the pandemic, Twitter is a platform where clinicians around the world can connect. This reduces feelings of isolation and gives support to many.

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. 

The author hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail. Copyright by the author.

November 17, 2023 | 5 min read

Hike Your Own Hike

By Lillian Hayes, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University

Medical training and practice are marked by constant change, which can feel uncomfortable. Embracing discomfort as an opportunity for growth can help us to improve our care of patients.

June 30, 2021 | 2 min read

Promoting Wellness Through Intergenerational Connections

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Bridging the generations can enhance emotional well-being for young and old. Encourage patients to reach out to older family members and neighbors!

February 13, 2024 | 3 min read

Unsent letters from a palliative care doctor to a patient and her dog 

By Lingsheng Li, MD, MHS, University of California, San Franscisco

Sometimes we never get the chance to tell a patient what we admire about them. After my patient died, I realized I’d been inspired by the inner strength she showed by caring for her dog despite health and life challenges. 

March 3, 2018 | 2 min read

Six Steps to Make Wellness Work

By Laura Hanyok, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Our well-being as physicians is an essential part of professionalism. If we aren't well, we can't provide the best care to our patients, who deserve our best.

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.

October 24, 2023 | 6 min read

Hoping

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

Even when a cure is not possible, I try to show patients and their loved ones that there are other things for which to hope. 

October 3, 2023 | 2 min read

Never Forget Where You Came From

By Hanghang Wang, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Reflecting on my journey to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon reminds me of how far I've come. This also helps me to imagine the rewards of giving clinically excellent care to future patients. 

February 25, 2021 | 2 min read

How You Can Help With Intimate Partner Violence

By Lisa Geller, MPH, Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health crisis and most deadly when a gun is involved. Clinicians should screen patients for IPV, ask about firearm possession, and refer those at risk of IPV to appropriate services.

September 24, 2020 | 2 min read

Using Non-judgmental Language

By Nat Mulkey (they/them), Medical Student, Boston University Medicine

In order to minimize bias, it’s critical to use non-judgmental language when describing patients, both orally and in the medical record.

January 9, 2019 | 1 min read

The Disease of Loneliness

By Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

In an environment pushing us ever faster, making the time to listen will often lead to better patient outcomes and greater clinician fulfillment.

May 2, 2023 | 2 min read

Treating all patients with compassion (archives, 2023)

By Keisha Ray, PhD, McGovern Medical School

Physician bias is one driver of poor health outcomes among Black patients. A commitment to compassion and active listening can combat this trend. 

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.

December 10, 2018 | 3 min read

Immigrants Should Not Have to Choose Between Health and a Green Card

By Lochan Shah, Neha Anand, Priyal Gandhi

We urge you to leverage your voice as an agent of change by submitting a comment opposing the proposed rule to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before the deadline, TODAY, December 10, 2018. Make your voice heard so that families across the country do not have to choose between their health and their immigration status.

May 19, 2020 | 1 min read

Faith Over Fear

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Scientific knowledge paired with faith, grit, and perseverance will help us weather the pandemic.

July 29, 2024 | 2 min read

Becoming a lifeline 

By Joanna Cohen, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians must proactively identify patients at risk of suicide. A multi-faceted approach includes regular screenings for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and ensuring all patients and caregivers have access to a crisis hotline.

November 11, 2021 | 3 min read

Dying Alone

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

Caring for a patient dying of AIDS reminded me that—while it's necessary to be fully present and listen attentively to all patients—those who are alone need even more of our time. 

July 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Embracing awe

By Sean Goldy, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians should encourage patients to take time to notice things that may inspire awe. For patients, this may significantly reduce stress, improve well-being, and foster social connections.

November 2, 2021 | 2 min read

What All Clinicians Must Know About End-of-Life Care

By Pringl Miller, MD, San Francisco, California

Initiating and withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment is the patient’s or their surrogate's decision, not ours. We must always honor their wishes.

Clouds at sunset, Paliambella, Greece. Photo by the author.

November 6, 2018 | 1 min read

Lessons From Paliambella, Greece

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working to cultivate community cohesiveness in the neighborhoods where we work and where our patients live could help community health achieve its fullest potential. Here are a few simple ways to get started.

October 6, 2021 | 2 min read

Helping Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence During COVID

By Jennifer Knetig, PhD, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare, Kelly Buckholdt, PhD, Veterans Health Administration, Taylor Ceroni, PhD, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health

Intimate partner violence has increased during the pandemic. Clinicians must ask patients about their safety and know where to refer.

March 22, 2018 | 7 min read

Fundamentals for Caring for Transgender Patients

By Paula Neira, JD, MSN, RN, CEN, FAAN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Improve your skills as you work to support your transgender patients and interact with your transgender colleagues.

August 16, 2021 | 3 min read

The Heart of Clinical Reasoning

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

Making a diagnostic error reminded me that connecting with patients on a personal level is necessary for optimal clinical reasoning.

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. 

March 18, 2021 | 5 min read

The 24 Notes of Taps

By William Wright, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Let us honor the bravery of clinicians who have sacrificed everything in this pandemic to serve others.

August 19, 2019 | 6 min read

Holding Hope

By Jennifer Goetz, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital

By highlighting the strength and courage of our patients, we can sustain hope for our patients and their families.

January 7, 2021 | 4 min read

3 Steps to Develop Your Philosophy of Caring

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Identifying the principles that guide your care of patients will bring more meaning and purpose to your work. This can bring both you and your patients joy and fulfillment.

July 10, 2018 | 1 min read

Pause Before Hospitalizing the Elderly

By Samuel Durso, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Confusion among hospitalized older adults is common and dangerous. The hospital environment should be avoided if at all possible, with a goal of managing acutely ill older adults at home.

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 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.

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.

October 25, 2018 | 1 min read

Stepping Over the Curb

By Khalil Ghanem, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

While curbsiding a colleague may get you a quick answer and spare the consultant from needing to complete a formal consultation, there are certainly perils with this practice. Buyer beware!

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.

Artwork by Megan Gerber. Copyright by Megan Gerber.

February 3, 2020 | 5 min read

Joyful Deficiencies

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Creative expression can provide needed counterbalance to the outcomes-driven world of medicine.

April 14, 2022 | 4 min read

Talking About Climate Change With Patients

By Dean Chien, CLOSLER team, Baltimore, Maryland

Climate change affects the health of everyone. When talking with patients about climate change, meet them where they are and listen nonjudgmentally. 

Dr. Margaret Chisolm captures a photograph of the painting, "John, 1st Baron Byron," 2013, Kehinde Wiley (American, born in 1977), at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

April 8, 2019 | 5 min read

On Looking: March Museum Visit

By Flora Smyth Zahra, MA Clin Ed, DRestDent RCS, FHEA, Kings College London, Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Visual Thinking Strategies and the Personal Response Tour are two examples of museum-based pedagogical practice that build critical thinking skills, foster empathy, and allow for reflective space away from the clinic.

"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. 

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