You searched for Humanities in Medicine - Page 2 of 8 - CLOSLER

Audrey Hepburn. Photo by Bud Fraker, 1956. Public Domain.

August 24, 2020 | 4 min read

A Calling to Medicine From Hollywood

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

Who ever thought watching Turner Classics could inspire a career in medicine? Reflecting on what drew you to healthcare may restore your sense of purpose.

September 18, 2024 | 2 min read

“My cotton-wool-spotted coat”

By Victoria Holm, medical student, California University of Science and Medicine

Along with disease-knowledge, effective care for patients always requires empathy and compassion. In patients with diabetes, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges they face and the impact the disease has on their lives.

September 29, 2022 | 2 min read

Documenting humanity (archives, 2022)

By Jane Abernethy, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians are in a powerful position to advocate for undocumented people, who are among the most vulnerable patients. By acknowledging the courage of this population, we can affirm their strength and resilience.

March 21, 2018 | 2 min read

İnsan Olmak—Being Human

By Ezgi Ozalp Akın, MD, Ankara University

Developmental pediatrician Ezgi Ozalp Akın, MD, shares insights gleaned from "İnsan Olmak" on being human.

July 6, 2018 | 1 min read

Music and Coffee

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If you get the sense that one of your patients is isolated or alone, ask about their support network. If they have none, ask if they would like help in being connected to community resources.

June 29, 2018 | 1 min read

Getting Into Character

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working as a primary care provider for the last 24 years, I can say without a doubt that reading fiction has expanded my capacity to connect with my patients with a greater level of empathy.

October 23, 2024 | 2 min read

Educated lucky: Making critical decisions without all the answers

By Edana Mann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In critical care, we often make life-saving decisions with incomplete information. Teamwork is essential, and sometimes acting on our best-educated guess is the only option. These moments remind us of life’s fragility and the importance of trusting our instincts and each other.

May 25, 2018 | <1 min read

“The Secret of Quality is Love”

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Connecting with patients, caring deeply, and remembering your sense of calling will bring joy and fulfillment to the practice of medicine.

March 29, 2023 | 1 min read

Remarkable Human Spirit

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

In the aftermath of my patient’s devastating consequences of illness, his reaction was anything but what I expected.

"Corridor in the Asylum," Vincent van Gogh, 1889. The Met Museum.

March 5, 2018 | 3 min read

Demystifying Psychiatry

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Demystifying psychiatry for patients is the heart of my work. In its existential aspects, psychotherapy calls for the imagination of alternative possibilities.

September 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“Wild Problems” Book Review

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When it comes to the big decisions in life, abandoning a rational, algorithmic approach—and going back to guiding principles—may be the secret to happiness.

13 Norham Gardens, the Osler's home in Oxford from 1907 until their deaths.

June 6, 2018 | 1 min read

Open Arms: The Welcoming Spirit of the Osler Residence

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Although we might not all live in a “substantial Victorian house” like William Osler’s, we can all embrace the welcoming spirit of “The Open Arms,” and invite more of our learners into our homes for informal meetings, mentorship, and maybe even tea.

April 5, 2018 | 5 min read

Remaking Medicine Whole

By Gregory Frichionne, MD, Harvard Medical School

A review of "Whole Person Care: Transforming Healthcare" by Tom Hutchinson, MB, McGill University.

Saint Brides Bay (Bae Sain Ffraid), Pembrokeshire, Wales, Author's Photo.

January 24, 2019 | 4 min read

Cultivating Caring

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Compassion begins with caring for ourselves and working to grow as full human beings. It is not just the lives of our patients that depend on us learning this component of caring, the quality of our own lives depend upon learning this as well.

August 21, 2019 | 1 min read

Circle Medicine

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

To care for the whole person we need human-based models of medicine that complement our protocol-based medicine.

"Heart Meditation," original painting by the author. Copyright by the author.

March 19, 2020 | 3 min read

Returning to Medicine of the Heart During a Pandemic

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

How can we practice the kind of medicine that we so desperately need right now? Perhaps it is time to return to a medicine of the heart and of the soul.

"Enlightenment," by David Kopacz, 2020.

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.

July 8, 2024 | 2 min read

Suturing stories

By Andrea Merrill, MD, Boston Medical Center

By using writing to process patient care experiences, I'm able to learn from challenging events at work and find more meaning in medicine.

Aiden Crowley said that “a hug can be medicine” and that simple “presence and accompaniment” provides more for the patient and family than we might think.

November 23, 2022 | 1 min read

Using CLOSLER For Grand Rounds

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

CLOSLER has a wealth of material that can be leveraged to enhance teaching in a variety of settings, including lectures, bedside, and small group discussions.

May 6, 2025 | 2 min read

Healing from the emotional toll of a medical error

Mistakes in patient care are not uncommon. Clinicians can lean on their support systems to recover from stressful events at work. Taking care of yourself enables you to continue giving compassionate care.

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.

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.

March 20, 2019 | 4 min read

Social History as Story

By Colleen Farrell, MD, New York University

We cannot understand our patients’ bodies if we do not understand something about who they are as human beings,

April 22, 2025 | 5 min read

Let the language live

Daily clinical interactions, marked by honest communication and empathy, hold unique power for healing and justice.

April 9, 2025 | 2 min read

Feeling secure

Sometimes the most profound acts of care aren't medical interventions, but recognizing the simple comforts that anchor patients, like a cherished stuffed animal.

"Sunflowers," Vincent van Gogh, 1889. Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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.

April 9, 2018 | 3 min read

Healing Through Compassion and Empathy

By Kristen Nelson, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Read Dr. Nelson’s clinical mission statement, reminding us that “no matter what, you’re not just treating the patient, you’re treating the whole family.”

July 5, 2019 | 3 min read

Fun is fine, but it isn’t food

By Roxanne Sukol, MD, Cleveland Clinic

We ALL need to address the obesity epidemic by teaching our patients the difference between real food and manufactured calories.

Dr. Wright's dog Lucy, out for a spring walk at the University of Virginia.

April 9, 2024 | 1 min read

Wagging tails and healing hearts

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor, Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If you or your patients are thinking about getting a pet, full encouragement; life is better with animals around. Pets generally improve mental well-being by offering unconditional love, reducing stress, and providing a sense of purpose.

December 9, 2019 | 1 min read

Presence in Final Moments

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Traditionally, we have "protected" families from witnessing abrupt or unexpected death in our hospitals. This assumption may be incorrect; offering families the chance to be present can be what is wanted and needed.

June 23, 2022 | 2 min read

Reflections at The End of a Busy Clinical Year

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

Outstanding clinicians are humble, curious, and nonjudgmental.

August 25, 2020 | 4 min read

A Real Hero and a Real Human Being

By Andrew Philip, PhD, Primary Care Development Corporation

The pandemic has created more stress for everyone, including healthcare professionals. Finding a relaxing activity to practice regularly can help you persevere.

"Letter to myself at age 12," copyright with the artisit.

January 22, 2024 | 1 min read

Letter to myself at age 12

By Ashley Minner Jones, PhD, MFA, Baltimore, MD

When I shared a work of my art at an exhibition, I was surprised how deeply people connected with it. This helped me have even more empathy and understanding for others. We all sometimes struggle with being human.

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.

Juneteenth Flag

July 2, 2020 | 4 min read

3 Tips for Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Academic Medicine

By LaShyra Nolen, Medical Student, Harvard University

White educators and learners must commit to doing the work and educating themselves on how to be antiracist. Black colleagues should not be responsible for educating those around them.

"I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills."-Lucy Beneventi

May 24, 2023 | 3 min read

An Email Chain That Made me Smile

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Each year of life has lessons to teach us. The insights in this piece may serve as a reminder to seek out advice from those who are older, and to make time for reflection.

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.

February 8, 2024 | <1 min read

A counterbalance to anguish

By Jessica Berry, PhD, clinical psychologist

After retiring from clinical psychology, I dove into art. Here I’ve drawn a heart, an organ that represents the mysteries and complexities of human feelings. Exploring emotions was a central aspect of my career.

March 10, 2020 | 1 min read

Observing and Acknowledging Family Dynamics

By Kimberly Zeren, NP, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

During your next patient encounter, take the time to observe the family dynamics. Don't be afraid to ask the difficult questions.

August 30, 2019 | 1 min read

The Gatekeepers of “Fairness”

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Excellent clinicians spend time listening to patients, acknowledging concerns, and empathizing with feelings that life is not fair.

"Our medical training leaves us ill-equipped to manage feelings associated with this uncertainty, especially the shame that often accompanies a medical error."

April 15, 2021 | 3 min read

To Err is Human

By Linda Lee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Being honest with patients about errors can help ease their pain and preserve the patient-clinician relationship.

June 3, 2024 | 2 min read

Book review: “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

This page-turner about friendship reminds readers that relationships are not easy and require sustained care and attention. In medicine and life, this can lead to meaningful and loyal bonds.

June 13, 2022 | 2 min read

3 Tips from the ED For All Healthcare Professionals

By Rodney Omron, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sharing appreciations with colleagues and learners is your superpower. Use it.

"Community," acrylic on canvas, copyright with the artist.

March 5, 2024 | <1 min read

Community support

By Carolyn Im, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

This painting celebrates that individuality of every patient and also highlights the help they can receive from their community in times of need.

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.

Employers must cultivate a nurturing culture that supports the emotional and physical needs of their employees.

February 9, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Support Patients With Chronic Pain and Substance Use Disorder

By Juliette Perzhinsky, MD, MSc, Central Michigan University

All patients must be treated with empathy. Those suffering with chronic pain and addiction may be especially deserving of compassion.

October 31, 2024 | 3 min read

The human cost of toxic work culture

By Laura Hanyok, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals often experience unrealistic work expectations. If this becomes too much, clinicians can seek support, set boundaries, and even consider making a change.

December 12, 2022 | 5 min read

Room 441

By Alicia Zellmer, MD, George Washington University

Although humanized care can sometimes be more time-consuming, sharing detailed information and ensuring patient’s understanding is essential for clinical excellence.

November 22, 2022 | 3 min read

Living Your Best Life

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By understanding what a good life looks like for each patient, clinicians can move beyond merely treating diseases to helping people flourish.

January 21, 2020 | 2 min read

A Daily Dose of Shakespeare

By Rachel Salas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making time to read even just a few lines of timeless words can remind us of the complexity of being human, and facilitate clinicians' reflection upon connecting more genuinely with their patients.