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September 22, 2025 | 1 min read

Touchdowns, “trash talk,” and treatment

Conversing about sports with patients and colleagues, even if you cheer for rival teams, can be a light and fun way to build connections.

September 11, 2025 | 2 min read

Compassion at eye level

When communicating with patients, words, tone, and gestures matter. In addition, genuine presence provides comfort to patients who are suffering.

September 9, 2025 | 2 min read

Lessons from osteopathic training

Osteopathic medicine’s holistic approach offers opportunities for individualized and effective care. Integrating an appreciation of the mind-body-spirit connection, for example, encourages a deep understanding of the unique goals and challenges each patient faces.

August 14, 2025 | 2 min read

Rose, bud, and thorn

Try starting your next team meeting with an icebreaker activity. Rituals like this can jumpstart connections with colleagues and build healthier care teams.

August 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Bearing witness

We often see the disparities in our world on display in the exam room. While we can’t make life fair, we can listen to patients’ stories and honor their experiences.

July 17, 2025 | 3 min read

Cricket and the cadence of care

Like playing cricket, the art of medicine demands patience, teamwork, and a willingness to redefine victory—not every win is a cure. Sometimes success is helping a patient find comfort and dignity.

June 25, 2025 | 4 min read

Who’s visited you?

The presence of loved ones at the bedside can anchor and orient older patients. In their absence, the medical team should collaborate thoughtfully with the interprofessional team to provide social and emotional support.

June 9, 2025 | 3 min read

When care hurts

Patients’ past healthcare experiences influence their ability to engage in care. Taking time to learn about their life stories builds trust and empowers them to participate in their healing.

June 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Letting the tea leaves breathe

Kind gestures, like bringing a patient a cup of tea, may help bridge the gap between suffering and solace. Such thoughtfulness can offer comfort as powerful as any medication.

May 13, 2025 | 2 min read

The unseen front line: lessons from my military deployment

In a field hospital, one learns quickly about clear communication and thoughtful decision making. These behaviors and working collaboratively with others are just as critical across all clinical settings.

April 29, 2025 | 2 min read

Soul gym

Our culture frequently celebrates physical strength. In healthcare, the power of emotional fortitude is regularly called upon when encountering patients’ frustration or anger.

April 21, 2025 | 3 min read

There’s been a suicide

I wrote this poem recently after learning of a veteran’s death by suicide. This prompted me to reflect on my work as a psychiatrist, systemic failures, and the cyclical nature of grief.

Operationalizing basic systems like a phone call home following a hospitalization can make a meaningful difference for patients.

March 25, 2025 | 3 min read

Operationalizing empathy

By Steve Meth, JD, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Small systemic adjustments can have a significant impact on care quality. Examples that have been impactful recently include post-discharge phone calls, AI scribing, and better integration of bedside EHR.

March 10, 2025 | 2 min read

The B12 fix

By Selvi Rajagopal, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians should remember to watch for fatigue in patients shifting to plant-based diets; a B12 test can reveal a significant, reversible cause of feeling poorly.

January 22, 2025 | 2 min read

The ulcer: a window into a patient’s emotional distress

By Margret Nassuuna, DCP, Innerspark Recovery, Naalya, Uganda

The body, a masterful storyteller, often reveals insights into a patient’s mental state. By deciphering its narratives, clinicians may also be able to better address both the mental and emotional aspects of care.

December 23, 2024 | 1 min read

Beyond the Grinch’s grump

By Heather Agee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Patients exhibiting "Grinch-like" behaviors may be masking underlying trauma and vulnerability. Try an empathetic "Cindy Lou" approach to foster trust and facilitate healing.

"Primary Colors Ascending," by Janice Greenberg.

December 17, 2024 | 5 min read

The portal paradox

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Communicating with patients electronically presents both benefits and challenges. I’ve cherished when patients have shared creative works with me—both in person and via the portal—although I recognize this may add to my message count.

December 16, 2024 | 2 min read

Navigating vaccine discussions (archives, 2024)

By Erica Prochaska, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By understanding and addressing patients' concerns about vaccination, healthcare professionals can foster trust and promote informed decision-making. Every conversation is a chance to educate and empower.

December 5, 2024 | 2 min read

Risorius: the power of a smile

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

A genuine smile can convey empathy, warmth, and reassurance, fostering a positive and trusting patient-clinician relationship. This helps create a more welcoming and comforting atmosphere.

December 4, 2024 | 2 min read

The complexities of middle age

By Alicia Arbaje, MD, MPH, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mid-life is a period marked by multifaceted challenges, including physical, emotional, and social stressors. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses the whole patient healthcare professionals can provide more comprehensive and effective care.

November 14, 2024 | 3 min read

A surgeon’s wakeup call: Learning about helmet safety the hard way

By James Harris Jr., MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals can do more than treat injuries; they can help prevent them. Educate patients and their loved ones about safety gear, share real-life stories, and empower people to make wise choices.

Ahjeetha Shankar dancing.

August 22, 2024 | 3 min read

Dancing closer to patients

By Ahjeetha Shankar, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

During medical school, I learned the importance of pursuing personal passions outside of the hospital. Reconnecting with my love of Indian dance has enhanced my ability to connect with patients about their own hobbies.

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.

July 23, 2024 | 3 min read

The last gaze: witnessing a peaceful death

By Michael McCarthy, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In Abraham Verghese’s novel “Cutting for Stone” I learned about how to help patients face death. This includes considering the role of spiritual support and ensuring patients feel cared for in their final moments.

July 17, 2024 | 1 min read

Building bridges

Some patients have strong preferences that may not align with best practices of care. Empathy, active listening, and kindness can build trust and guide patients toward making informed medical decisions.

July 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Protecting the most vulnerable from heat-related illnesses (archives, 2024)

By Joanna Cohen, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for patients during heat waves, healthcare professionals should be aware of social determinants of health—like no air conditioning at home. Clinicians should know the available resources to recommend, such as cooling centers within the communities they serve.

June 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Lessons from an earlier life: Latin dance

By Neha Santucci, MD, Cincinnati Childrens

My experiences with both dancing and patient care have taught me that connection and passion are key. In medicine, like in dance, I focus on building strong relationships and finding joy.

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.

May 6, 2024 | 2 min read

A lesson in humility

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

All patients deserve to be treated with respect, listened to attentively, and seen as individuals.

May 1, 2024 | 2 min read

The patient’s voice: a doctor’s song

By Sujay Pathak, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A clinician who heals truly listens without judgment and sees things from the patient's perspective.

March 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Hold my hand

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

When my friend was dying, I realized the importance of a comforting touch, like holding hands. This physical connection can give comfort to both healer and patient.

February 22, 2024 | 1 min read

A journey through time

By Beatriz Rizkallah Alves, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital

As a young doctor, I cared for a centenarian. I realized that I’d never fully appreciated the complexity and challenges of aging—I now take extra time to uncover my older patients’ struggles.

January 16, 2024 | 2 min read

“Too maternal”

By Kimberlee Parker, DO, MPH, Baylor College of Medicine

Being a mother has helped me to be a better doctor. Both roles require empathy, which I express toward my children and patients.

January 10, 2024 | 2 min read

Risk and reward

By Hien Tan Nguyen, MD, MBA, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

During surgical residency training, I learned how to operate. In practice, I learned how to decide WHETHER to operate based on individualized versus protocol-driven parameters.

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.

November 27, 2023 | 2 min read

When the truth (literally) hurts

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

When our patients are facing surgery or other procedures, thoughtful questions can help allay their worries.

July 17, 2018 | 4 min read

Being a True Patient Advocate

By Deborah Freeland, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Sometimes being an advocate for your patient means fighting for a decision that you don’t fully agree with and respecting their decision; in so doing, you are fulfilling your duty to protect and honor patient autonomy.

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.

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.

September 27, 2023 | 1 min read

Guardrails And Ambulances

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Over 100,000 Americans die every year from overdoses, and most are preventable. Discuss with patients and loved ones the dangers of having old prescription or counterfeit pills, as well as the importance of keeping naloxone on hand.

September 11, 2023 | 2 min read

AI And Humanistic Care

By Daniel Brotman, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In a clinical world that is increasingly algorithmic, what AI can NOT do is truly understand human emotions. Computers will never appreciate the joy and privilege of connecting with patients.

August 21, 2023 | 2 min read

DO you see me? CAN you see me?

By Mandy Hill, DrPH, MPH, UTHealth Houston, McGovern Medical School

As a part of every patient encounter, I ask myself how I can ensure that they have a positive experience. This begins with recognizing the patient as a person.

August 15, 2023 | 2 min read

The Importance of Humanities in Medicine

By Mike McCarthy, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Engaging with and studying the humanities can help us give better patient care. Literature, art, and history remind us that patients are whole persons with lives that exist beyond medical problems.

August 14, 2023 | 3 min read

Accentuate The Positive

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Sometimes interactions with patients may feel challenging. Expressing gratitude to patients for positive encounters may help reduce stress and bring joy.

June 8, 2023 | 3 min read

The Swiss Army Knife

By Cory Rohlfsen, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Sometimes clinicians’ wellspring of empathy runs dry. Unfolding a few simple tools—like mirroring patients’ nonverbal communication—can improve therapeutic relationships and allow us to provide compassionate care even when we are not at our best.

"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.

May 23, 2023 | 3 min read

“Both And”

By Jennifer Lycette, MD, rural oncologist in the Pacific Northwest

As the only oncologist in a small rural town, I must often care for patients who are also my friends.

May 10, 2023 | 1 min read

Coming Back Later

By Tetsuyuki Kawai, medical student, Texas Tech

I learned from my patient with terminal lung cancer that it’s often helpful to give time to process bad news before making a medical plan together.

March 7, 2023 | 6 min read

When The Doctor Becomes The Patient

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Cancer interrupted my personal and professional lives. Being a patient is an invitation to be human, something we often don’t have much time for in medicine. I am working to bring together the best of being a doctor, being a patient, and being a human being.

March 6, 2023 | 1 min read

Supporting Menopausal Patients

By Talia Sobel, MD, Mayo Clinic

Women often receive misinformation about menopause and even experience medical gaslighting from healthcare professionals. Clinicians should validate patients’ symptoms, and work with them to improve quality of life.