July 24, 2025 | 1 min read

The healing power of Tai Chi 

Embracing cultural exchange opens new pathways to patient motivation, connection, and healing. Integrating Tai Chi into rehabilitation can transform routine exercises into experiences that foster engagement and well-being. 

October 26, 2023 | 1 min read

Silent Walking

By Elizabeth Reynolds, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Take time for a mindful stroll. Instead of multitasking, untether from electronic devices, tune into the senses, and allow space for thoughts.

February 1, 2021 | 4 min read

Processing Emotions Through Art

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Writing or drawing after a challenging patient encounter may help you work through your feelings and mitigate burnout.

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.

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. 

August 27, 2024 | 6 min read

Wounded health systems 

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

In my own journey as a physician, I’ve realized that healthcare's emphasis on efficiency, productivity, and the EMR can contribute to the wounding of healers. To counteract this, systems must prioritize compassion, foster a culture of caring, and make large-scale changes to create institutional and individual well-being.

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 27, 2024 | 2 min read

Lessons from earlier in life: from public school teaching to doctoring  

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

I apply the principles I learned as a public school teacher to patient care: asking insightful questions, seeing the whole person, and fostering motivation for positive change. 

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.  

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.

March 5, 2018 | 2 min read

Introducing Monday Mission and Values Statements

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Begin with the end in mind. ~Stephen Covey

March 3, 2018 | 2 min read

Six Steps to Make Wellness Work

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.

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.

May 18, 2020 | 2 min read

Remembering Our Call to Medicine

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Remembering why we chose a career in medicine can perhaps bolster our sense of well-being and mitigate burnout.

March 20, 2024 | 2 min read

“HEARTS”  

Creating and appreciating art as part of professional development can foster connection, promote well-being, and cultivate empathy. It can also provide opportunities for self-reflection. 

June 30, 2025 | 4 min read

Finding flow and joy in medicine

Finding professional flow requires assessing your inner values and the work environment. Finding harmony between who you are and what you do may help to prevent burnout and restore your joy in medicine. 

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.

April 9, 2020 | 3 min read

Mentoring While Social Distancing

By Ruth Gotian, EdD, MS, Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Mentoring Academy

The pandemic is a critical time for clinically excellent role models to continue mentoring. Separation creates opportunities to connect in new ways.

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. 

November 14, 2023 | 3 min read

Authenticity

By Charlene Gamaldo, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Bringing your full self to work is a purposeful strategy for flourishing. This may also allow you to connect more deeply with patients and colleagues. 

October 16, 2023 | 1 min read

Clinging to Hope

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nitin Narayan, medical student, Gujarat, India

A patient’s family wasn’t ready to accept that their loved one wouldn’t recover. From the encounter, I learned that sometimes it may be appropriate to delay such conversations for a little while. 

May 21, 2018 | 3 min read

Listening and Communicating

By Justin McArthur, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The clinical mission and values statement of a neurologist, sharing thoughtful tips on listening and communicating with patients and their families.

February 6, 2024 | 2 min read

Co-bearers of suffering

By Mike McCarthy, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes a patient’s pain can’t be eliminated. However, we can still walk with them as a co-bearer of suffering. 

February 20, 2019 | 2 min read

From Film School to Medical School (Part 1 of 3)

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The arts and humanities might be the perfect preparation for medical school.

January 24, 2022 | 3 min read

What I Learned About Medicine from “The Price is Right”

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

A childhood dream was fulfilled when I won my favorite gameshow. The joy I experienced in that moment is something that I strive to share with patients each day. 

December 28, 2020 | 6 min read

Medical Activism: A Foundation of Professionalism

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Clinicians should expand their definition of professionalism to include working for societal change to improve the health of all.

August 26, 2024 | 2 min read

The Argentinian way

By M. Carolina Musri, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In Argentina, I learned that relationship-building in medicine is paramount. With patients, talking about anything non-medical can deepen a connection. With coworkers, sharing lunch every day can help reduce stress and improve well-being.

February 11, 2020 | 2 min read

Moving Mountains

By Susan Huff, RN, MSN, Johns Hopkins Homecare Group

In end of life care, excellent clinicians can and should move mountains to get patients home if that's where they want and need to be.

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. 

June 18, 2025 | 2 min read

The heart of the practice: a PA’s reflections on teamwork 

Exceptional patient care is a team endeavor, built on trust and a shared commitment to addressing every patient's unique needs. This is especially true when navigating complex health disparities.

January 29, 2024 | 2 min read

Life after grief 

By Jaime Jump, DO, Texas Childrens Hospital

I was invited to a baby shower for the sibling of a baby who had died in my care. Talking with the parents taught me that beyond sadness, there can be hope and joy.  

January 23, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Michele Bellantoni, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

In long-term care we're able to develop personal relationships with our patients, and thus in our Geriatrics, physician burnout rates are lower. The personal relationships with patients create both meaning and joy.