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Moving Us Closer To Osler
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Creative Arts in Medicine
Connecting with Patients
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Brushing your teeth each morning and night can be a great time to practice being mindful - instead of checking your phone!

December 3, 2018 | 2 min read

Attitudinal Foundations of Mindfulness

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In mindfulness meditation, we are not trying to change anything. We are simply becoming aware of what is going on without judging it as good or bad. When we bring our awareness to the present moment, a natural by-product is often relaxation.

September 20, 2018 | 2 min read

Review of ‘Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness, and Humanity’

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Dr. Ronald Epstein's book, "Attending," offers insights into mindfulness and connecting with our patients.

April 19, 2018 | 3 min read

Becoming a Mindful Clinician

By Patricia Dobkin, PhD, McGill University Department of Medicine

Most healthcare professionals maintain high standards, perfectionistic tendencies, and critical minds. This appears to be an advantage in a high stakes-high risk work environment. However, these habits of mind may backfire when held too tightly and lead to emotional exhaustion. Being mindful can offset this problem.

August 29, 2019 | 2 min read

Mindful Doctoring in the EHR Era

By Irene Estores, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine

Mindfulness is essential in clinical excellence. Consider these five tips while working with the EHR.

"Before I studied Zen, mountains were just mountains and rivers just rivers. When I started studying Zen, mountains were no longer mountains and rivers no longer rivers. But now that I’ve gained some understanding of Zen, mountains are once again mountains and rivers are once again rivers."

January 3, 2025 | 5 min read

Zen and the art of physician-maintenance 

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Healthcare professionals can help counteract "sustained inattentional blindness" and faulty clinical reasoning by integrating Zen principles into their practice. This may allow clinicians to more fully perceive the patient’s reality, as well as avoid overlooking crucial details. 

February 22, 2022 | 2 min read

Mindfulness Through Small Habits

By Ayman Mukerji Houseman, MS, MSW, New York City

Mindfulness practice, deconstructed into practical small habits, helps busy healthcare professionals better manage their daily stress. 

January 13, 2025 | 3 min read

Takeaways from “Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity”  

By Jonathan McFarland, Medical Humanist, Autonomous University of Madrid & University of Pompeu Fabra

Dr. Ronald Epstein's book advocates for a return to the core values of medicine: humanism, empathy, and the recognition that true healing emerges from a collaborative partnership between patient and clinician. 

February 15, 2022 | 1 min read

The Free Throw Line and Mindful Practice

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Basketball players have a ritual followed by a pause before shooting a free throw. Clinicians can do likewise to be fully present for their next patient.     

February 23, 2018 | 2 min read

Mindfulness and Diagnostic Acumen: Inversely Related?

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Far from being inversely related, physician mindfulness provides the foundation upon which diagnostic acumen is built.

March 26, 2025 | 1 min read

Calm minds in uncertain times 

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The polarization of politics in 2025 is causing many to feel anxious. Healthcare professionals can prioritize patient and personal mental well-being by promoting and practicing mindful information consumption.  

December 13, 2022 | 3 min read

Mindful Movement

By Ken Koon Wong, MD, Cleveland Clinic

Consider encouraging your patients to practice tai chi to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.  

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.

May 20, 2019 | <1 min read

Mindful Communication

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Before and during difficult communication, ask yourself: Are my words King TUT? Is what I am saying kind, true, do I even need to say it, and, finally, is this the best time to say it?

January 5, 2019 | 2 min read

Acceptance

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When we practice acceptance in the present moment, we free up energy to see more possibilities. We may notice some clarity in our minds and even less tension in the body. There is freedom in acceptance.

July 4, 2018 | 1 min read

Recipe for the Salad Bowl of Happiness

By Vani Rao, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A tried and true recipe for happiness: in a large bowl of individuality, mix spoonfuls of family and friends, add whisks of peers and acquaintances, and dress it with a generous helping of core values.

March 4, 2019 | 2 min read

Non-Judging

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

What happens when you see your patient through a broader, non-judgmental lens?

January 31, 2019 | 1 min read

How to be Mindful About Infection Prevention

By Clare Rock, MBBCh, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

To be mindful of preventing the spread of infection, embrace change in procedures with an open mind when it is for the greater good.

July 8, 2019 | 1 min read

Being with our emotions

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The next time you feel a strong emotion, try labeling it.

April 23, 2019 | 1 min read

Reacting Versus Responding

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The next time you find yourself in a stressful communication, pause. Take one deep breath - buy yourself a little time with this breath. This pause can change everything.

September 2, 2021 | 2 min read

‘Begin with the end in mind.’

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

When you imagine the end of your career, what is it that you hope you will have accomplished? If you consider this today, you might begin to start doing things differently.

July 22, 2021 | <1 min read

Responding Instead of Reacting

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When confronted publicly by a colleague, I learned that it is helpful to respond calmly instead of reacting defensively. This strategy will allow us to move forward.

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.

June 8, 2020 | 4 min read

How to manage difficult emotions

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes the intensity of our thoughts and emotions can be difficult to manage, especially during stressful times like these. To cope, it can be helpful to recognize, allow, and reflect on our feelings.

untitled, by David Kopacz

July 21, 2022 | 7 min read

Building Cultures of Caring

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

We must care for ourselves to care for others. One great place to start is practicing self-compassion.

August 31, 2018 | 1 min read

A Walk in the Woods Keeps the Doctor Away

By Rachel Levine, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The benefits of a walk outside include improved mood, self-awareness, emotional processing and regulation, attentiveness, and sense of well-being, as well as decreased feelings of stress and anxiety. 

"Granulation," by Dr. Megan Gerber. Copyright with the artist.

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.

October 26, 2020 | 1 min read

8 Ways to Manage Election Stress

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mindfulness strategies can help clinicians and patients alike to ease election-related anxiety and promote positive mental health.

February 11, 2025 | 6 min read

“The Tao of Medicine” 

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

The clinician's mindful presence and understanding of the patient's full humanity are as crucial to healing as technical skill. Let go of using language to define your experience; instead focus on the wisdom that can be found in the empty spaces between thoughts. 

December 18, 2024 | 1 min read

Finding calm in a divided landscape 

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Vitriolic political discourse can affect patient well-being. Clinicians can acknowledge this and offer practical coping strategies.

April 18, 2018 | 6 min read

How To Reclaim Boredom From Your Smartphone

By Timothy Plante, MD, MHS, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

Boredom brings mind wandering; mind wandering brings creativity. Here’s how I reclaimed boredom in my life.

"Shamanic Vision." Original painting by the author. Copyright with the author.

April 2, 2020 | 4 min read

Staying Connected Inside and Out During the Pandemic

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Finding creative ways to connect to ourselves and to others is more important than ever in these days of social distancing.

April 16, 2018 | 2 min read

Giving Humanistic and Empathetic Care

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

Dr. Michele Manahan's Clinical Mission & Values Statement on supporting her patients through conversation, active listening, a receptive ear, and an incisive mind.

November 17, 2021 | 3 min read

Awe in The Midst of Medicine

Pausing, reflecting, and savoring moments of awe can balance the frequently overwhelming demands of clinical care.

March 9, 2021 | 2 min read

Self-Compassion: A Resilience Strategy For Stressful Times

By Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD, University of Arizona

Cultivating self-compassion can combat stress and burnout, and improve your overall well-being.

November 29, 2023 | 2 min read

Staying grounded in these times 

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor, Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The news can feel overwhelming. To maintain a sense of well-being while staying informed, limit media consumption and find a mindfulness practice that works for you. 

"You Let Your Magic Tortoise Go," David Kopacz. Copyright with the artist.

August 27, 2020 | 3 min read

Finding Balance During Unbalanced Times

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Spending time “going into and opening our hearts” is healing and restorative. We can do this for ourselves as healers and guide patients through the practice. It’s as simple as slowing down, putting your hand on your heart, and taking three deep breaths.

March 26, 2020 | 2 min read

6 ways to stay calm in these uncertain times

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It's normal to feel anxious during uncertain times. However, there are tools we can practice so that our anxieties don't overwhelm us. Remind yourself to come back to the present using a phrase such as "This moment is the only reality" or "One moment at a time."

January 30, 2025 | 3 min read

If bias is unconscious, what can I do about it? 

By Som Saha, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We all have biases that are mostly unresectable. By practicing mindfulness, being self-aware, and building connections with patients, we can reduce the harm they might otherwise cause. 

March 1, 2018 | 2 min read

Five Habits to Reduce Stress and Bring Joy to Patient Care

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Five simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily patient interactions, increasing the joy of patient care.

March 30, 2023 | 2 min read

Cultivating a Beginner’s Mind

By Clara Watkins, student, Emory University School of Nursing, Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Remember when you were a new learner? Approach situations with that open, creative, and nonjudgmental mind that you may have had when you started training. 

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 12, 2021 | 2 min read

Unshackle The Mind

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

When caring for a man in handcuffs, I was reminded that every patient must be shown empathy and compassion.

September 29, 2021 | 2 min read

Finding Your Way to Compassion Satisfaction

By Wilson Hurley, LCSW

Practicing strategies that renew compassion will allow you to care for patients more effectively.

Photo by David Kopacz.

March 9, 2022 | 6 min read

Being a naturalist to improve the health of all

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Listening and closely observing patients, in the way we appreciate and notice nature, can promote humanistic care and clinician well-being.

March 12, 2025 | 3 min read

5 tips to move forward after a challenging patient encounter 

After a challenging patient encounter, prioritize mindful breathing and reflective reframing. This may help you give your best care to the next patient. 

April 29, 2019 | 1 min read

Drop the Story

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When faced with a stressful event, state the facts in one sentence. Anything beyond these facts is a story that the mind creates. Return to the facts - the only thing that is true in this moment.

November 30, 2021 | 1 min read

Filling Your Cup

By Cheryl Barnes-Neff, PhD, MDiv, RN, President, Laurel Oak Group, Online Education & Training

To give excellent care to patients, we must attend to our own well-being. Start by connecting with yourself and your feelings.

July 15, 2020 | 5 min read

5 Steps to Regulate Our Emotions

By William Wright, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes our feelings are difficult to manage. When working with patients and colleagues, recognizing, understanding, and labeling our emotions can help us to respond more thoughtfully.

August 23, 2023 | 1 min read

Navigating the wait (archives, 2023)

By Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Accessing timely mental healthcare can be challenging. While waiting to see a mental health professional, lean on support networks and seek emergency care if needed. 

September 7, 2021 | 1 min read

The Emotional Toll of The Ongoing Pandemic

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The pandemic is far from over—we are again faced with fears and uncertainties. It can be helpful to remind people to focus on what is in their control and to lean on their support systems.

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