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Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative
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Creative Arts In Medicine
Connecting with Patients
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November 14, 2019 | 3 min read

Medicine, Music, and Ministry

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

With the demands of healthcare, it is essential that you practice the ministry of self-care. Remember to nurture your passion for something you love, something you do, and something that’s bigger than you.

Vibraphone. Copyright Chris Dingman.

December 5, 2019 | 2 min read

Peace—Music to Live

By Chris Dingman, Vibraphonist and Composer

Music with intention and sensitivity can be a powerful tool for helping the terminally ill—and others—cope with physical and emotional pain in order to find peace. Recommending this form of therapy to patients can be a valuable gift.

September 16, 2020 | 1 min read

Music For Stress Reduction

By Chris Dingman, Vibraphonist and Composer

Spend time each day doing something you enjoy, like listening to music. Just a few minutes can help you remain balanced, avoid burnout, and give better care to patients.

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.

September 14, 2021 | 3 min read

The Healing Power of Music

By Brian Garibaldi, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Connecting with a patient around a shared interest can be mutually fulfilling. For me, my guitar helps me to be present and give excellent care to patients.

The author and her husband dancing to live music at their wedding. Photo courtesy of the author.

June 25, 2019 | 3 min read

The Shared Experience

By Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Part of my history-taking in the future will include a music history to better understand the role music plays in my patient’s day-to-day lives. I am hopeful that this added information about them will strengthen our connection and understanding of one another as humans.

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.

The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville, Tennessee. Copyright by the author.

May 11, 2020 | 3 min read

Redefining Rounds—Will The Circle be Unbroken?

By Chase Webber, DO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

A patient care team performs best when all voices harmonize and creative approaches are applauded.

July 6, 2021 | 2 min read

CARE: Connect, Assess, Respond, Evaluate

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

To understand and better care for your patients, be curious about their life stories. Reflect on what you hear and consider the extent to which you are truly connecting.

November 6, 2019 | 3 min read

Songs From Hospice

By J Lind, Dale Fellow and touring songwriter, Nashville, Tennesse

It's the details of the patient's story that transforms them into a person.

June 13, 2022 | 1 min read

The Crooner And The Waltz

By Frank Cacace, MD, North Shore University Hospital

Music can convey feelings that are otherwise inexpressible. It can benefit the health, wellness, and healing of both patients and clinicians.

July 29, 2021 | 2 min read

Lessons From Duke Ellington

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Listening to The Duke, I realized that I care for patients best when my clinical encounters are like jazz duets—lots of listening and imbued with improvised spontaneous interplay.

Original artwork by Dr. Nathan Gray.

June 27, 2022 | <1 min read

Dying Words Aren’t What I’d Imagined

By David Shih Wu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nathan Gray, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The things people say when time grows short still have the power to spark wonder, humor, and connection. 

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. 

May 24, 2021 | 2 min read

In Sickness and in Wealth

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

When traveling to Denmark, I learned how much the Danes appreciate and value equitable access to care within their healthcare system. Countries can learn from one another, and clinicians can be impactful advocates for change.

June 25, 2020 | 2 min read

What I Learned From Acting

By Beau Landry-Wegener, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals must allow patients to play their own role in the story of their lives. This includes being a good scene partner by listening closely and responding artfully.

March 14, 2018 | 2 min read

The Power of Acknowledging Feelings

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Recognizing and acknowledging feelings can diffuse a patient’s anxiety.

September 19, 2019 | 2 min read

The Importance of Partnering With Patients

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

What patients and families need is a clinician advocate who is available to listen, translate complex medical language, and support both the physical and mental health of the patient.

December 26, 2018 | 1 min read

How to Ensure Patient Access During the Holidays

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

The holidays can be a stressful time for both patients and clinicians. Here are a few ideas to ensure stress-free access to care for patients, and tips for everyone to stay healthy and rested.

September 25, 2018 | 1 min read

Teaching Maintains Clinical Excellence

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Engaging with learners keeps you dedicated to lifelong learning, and teaching helps to maintain clinical excellence and the joy of medicine.

June 25, 2018 | 2 min read

Trust The Diagnostic Process

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Clinicians use a diagnostic process to guide their actions when faced with a medical problem. Hypothesis generation provides an efficient reliable framework to focus the clinical workup and come to the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

May 17, 2018 | 2 min read

How To Avoid Complacency in Diagnosis

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Top tips to avoid complacency when faced with a common clinical presentation that may have an uncommon medical diagnosis.

April 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Forming True Partnerships In Care: Listen To Your Patient

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Reflecting on caring for a 12-year-old with a complex neurological condition, I was humbled by the parents’ definition of clinically excellent patient care.

August 14, 2018 | 2 min read

Have Guitar – Will Travel

By David Shih Wu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Consider how you might use your creative gifts—and your imagination—to connect more deeply with your patients and bring them joy.

"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.

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.

Stories and laughter over dinner are a wonderful way to bond together. Photo by the author.

August 20, 2019 | 5 min read

How to Make Family Dinner Happen at Least Once a Week

By David Cohen, MD, Rutgers Health, Mital Patel-Cohen, MD, Summit Medical Group

Excellent clinicians have to make time for wellness and family bonding. Prioritizing a family dinner at least once a week is one way to do this.

February 8, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Improve Patient-Clinician Connections, Part 3

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

Starting each visit with a centering exercise focused on the patient may allow one to be fully present.    

June 29, 2021 | 2 min read

Making Jewelry With my Patients

By Deirdre Johnston, MBBCh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Some clinicians are lucky enough to interact with patients outside of medical encounters. In such settings, recognition of additional facets of their personalities may become evident, which will strengthen the patient-clinician relationship.

Now is the perfect time to seek collaborators for an idea you’ve had brewing. While your idea might not result in a masterpiece like da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" (~1490), it will reduce feelings of social isolation.

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.

April 13, 2020 | 3 min read

Social Distancing, Not Emotional Distancing

By Loveleena Virk, MD, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland Medical Center, California.

Creating space to recognize and manage feelings of helplessness is critical to prevent burnout and maintain wellness during the pandemic. We share strategies in this piece to help you cope during these challenging times.

April 27, 2021 | 2 min read

Lessons Learned From Cancer During COVID

By Catherine Ling, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Encourage and support patients to schedule preventative screenings delayed during the pandemic. These are critical to ensure your patients’ health.

April 6, 2020 | 1 min read

Addiction Recovery During the Pandemic

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We are all stressed by the great uncertainty related to COVID-19, but for our patients with addiction, it is much greater. Check in with your patients and support them in finding healthy ways to cope.

March 31, 2020 | 1 min read

Unplug, Rest, and Reboot

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

In times of stress, it’s important to find time each day to unplug.

March 22, 2021 | 2 min read

Why I Care About The Costumes in “Little Women”

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We can build deeper relationships with our patients by talking with them about their passions—from Broadway to zinnias.

Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland.

March 9, 2020 | 1 min read

Embrace the Craic!

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

We would all do well to be more like the Irish!

March 24, 2021 | 3 min read

Life, Death, and Taxes

By William Hornberger, CPA, JD, Dallas, Texas

As a patient who’s a lawyer, I’ve learned that lawyers and doctors have more in common than you might think. Finding a professional who is humble, kind, and trustworthy can make all the difference in your experience with law and medicine.

"I asked his family what he'd want us to know about him and his daughter said he loves Irish music."

February 15, 2021 | 2 min read

End-of-Life Care During The Pandemic

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Hospital visitation is limited during the pandemic. To alleviate the stress of this restriction, connect patients with their families via video as often as possible.

February 24, 2021 | 2 min read

“Make You Feel My Love”

By Amy Vinson, MD, Boston Childrens Hospital

Seeing the love in a patient’s life can be moving. It can also remind us just how important close relationships are in life.

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

February 1, 2021 | 4 min read

Processing Emotions Through Art

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Boston University School of Medicine

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

October 29, 2019 | 4 min read

Curiosity, Connection, and Comfort

By Margaret "Molly" Hayes, MD, Harvard Medical School

Curiosity is an essential part of our humanity and a foundation of the doctor-patient relationship. By remaining curious, we remain faithful to the words of Hippocrates: “Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.”

"The Starry Night," Vincent Van Gogh, 1889, Museum of Modern Art.

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 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.

The author's drawing of her heart utilizing the technique of defamiliarization.

February 14, 2019 | 3 min read

Defamiliarization

By Sarah Walser, , Penn State College of Medicine

Incorporating defamiliarization into practice builds empathy and broadens our worldview. It challenges us to expand and find confluence between different frameworks through which an experience, such as a disease, can be interpreted.

January 30, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. David Wu, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Palliative care is an approach to medicine that focuses on quality of life. My hope is that every clinician learns basic palliative skills to lead family conversations when there is a critically ill patient. It's a precious privilege to be able to enter people's lives at their most vulnerable time, and help them find some kind of peace.

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.

December 28, 2018 | 3 min read

How do you measure a year?

By Dawn Harris Sherling, MD, Florida Atlantic University

How do we measure a year in medicine? I’d like to measure mine in patient laughter, hugs, and lives that were made just a little bit better.

December 20, 2018 | 9 min read

You’re not getting my f-ing box cutter: paradoxical ways kids ask for limits

By Hal Kronsberg, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The most important lesson I’ve learned as a child psychiatrist is how badly kids want limits when they’re struggling, even when they keep that wish to themselves. Kids are smart, and when we catch them breaking a rule, we need to be curious about why it happened.

July 31, 2018 | 3 min read

Waste Not, Want Not!

By Wilma Ferthler, MD, Rural Country Doctor, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Keeping meat properly refrigerated is critical. Don’t forget to specifically ask patients if they have eaten roadkill if they present with diarrhea (especially in summer) & no other obvious source of infection is apparent.

Often, doomscrolling leads to going down rabbit holes.

April 7, 2022 | 3 min read

Doom Your Gloom

By Crystal Favorito, pre-med, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ask your patients about their online behaviors. Doomscrolling—consuming large quantities of negative news online—is an often underrecognized cause of anxiety. 

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