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August 31, 2020 | 2 min read

4 Tips for Using Neo and Gender-Neutral Pronouns

By Nat Mulkey (they/them), Medical Student, Boston University Medicine

Becoming familiar and fluent with neo and gender-neutral pronouns takes practice. It is essential to providing affirming care for transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary patients.

July 29, 2020 | 2 min read

Jumping Into Redeployment

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Caring for very sick patients during the pandemic can help you to reconnect with the meaning and purpose of medicine. Sign up to serve if the opportunity presents itself.

Newly Renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington, D.C., June 2020.

June 30, 2020 | 1 min read

Learning to be Antiracist

By Ashlyn McRae, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We must acknowledge the ways in which we have been, and are racist. This will allow us to provide the most equitable care to all of our patients.

The author and her mother enjoying the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.. Copyright by the author.

May 27, 2020 | 2 min read

The Weight of the White Coat

By Margot Kelly-Hedrick, MD, University of Washington

As the daughter of a frontline physician, and an incoming medical student, the pandemic raises questions about both personal and professional obligations. Open and honest conversations about such responsibilities are critical to professional identity formation.

Helen Brooke Taussig (May 24, 1898 - May 20, 1986), American cardiologist who founded the field of pediatric cardiology. Photograph taken for the cover of Modern Medicine, January 21, 1963. Wikipedia, public domain.

April 1, 2020 | 4 min read

Strength in Vulnerability

By Kamna Balhara, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sarah Clever, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

There is strength in acknowledging our fears individually and facing them collectively.

January 21, 2020 | 2 min read

A Daily Dose of Shakespeare

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.

October 24, 2019 | 1 min read

The Art of Talking About Death

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

The clinically excellent clinician engages in honest conversations about death and dying with patients and their families.

May 23, 2019 | 1 min read

The Thinking of a Clinical Problem Solver

By Reza Manesh, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

We aren't expected to know everything. Identifying the salient features of a case can lead you to the diagnosis.

Author's photos, including a photo of the portrait of Anna (center).

March 6, 2019 | 1 min read

Calling Card for the Soul

By Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Johns Hopkins Pet Therapy Program

Pets hold a special place in all of our hearts. To connect with patients and to show genuine interest, ask them about their pets. You may be surprised how much you will learn about your patient including who they are, what matters to them, and what they love.

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 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.

"The Doctor," Sir Luke Fildes 1843-1927, Tate Museum.

December 12, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Ivor Berkowitz, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

"I approach comforting my patients and their families by sitting at my patient's bedside with kindness and respect, aware of religious and cultural customs, and use a vocabulary that everyone in the family will understand."

November 12, 2018 | 3 min read

Insights From “A Whole New Mind”

Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind" highlights the importance of cultivating empathy, humor, and the ability to create meaning.

October 25, 2018 | 1 min read

Stepping Over the Curb

By Khalil Ghanem, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

While curbsiding a colleague may get you a quick answer and spare the consultant from needing to complete a formal consultation, there are certainly perils with this practice. Buyer beware!

"Facilitate finding new ways to stay busy and have fun. Recovery is not punishment. Helping your patient find new ways to have fun is crucial."

October 3, 2018 | <1 min read

Dr. Mike Fingerhood: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Every time I see a patient I ask them about their home environment, and what the main stressors in their life are right now.

One way to clear your head—step outside.

August 13, 2026 | 3 min read

Emotional hijacking

A stressful ED encounter left me feeling resentful and I fell behind on a critical discharge note. The experience was a reminder to name emotions in the moment—through self-talk, mindfulness, or stepping away—before they drive maladaptive behavior.

June 8, 2026 | 3 min read

Takeaways from the book “Addiction, Inc.”

Many opioid overdose deaths are preventable with medications like buprenorphine and methadone; unfortunately, commercial interests have interfered with access to treatment. Knowing how to start or link patients to treatment—regardless of your specialty—can save lives.

May 29, 2026 | 1 min read

Reading between the lines

When patients or colleagues act in ways that frustrate us, pause before assuming negative intent. Practicing respectful curiosity can help us gain more insight into what people are experiencing.

May 21, 2026 | 3 min read

Being there

In critical care, physical presence at the bedside is required to recognize subtle changes in the patient’s condition. A doctor in the room must remain the gold standard for clinical excellence.

May 5, 2026 | 2 min read

Seize this social media moment

Clinicians can use recent headlines about social media as a timely opening to discuss digital habits with patients. Healthcare professionals can suggest practical limits and safety strategies.

May 4, 2026 | 1 min read

Beyond the treadmill

To boost patients’ intrinsic motivation, ask questions that elicit their reasons for exercising. Then set small achievable goals and follow-up to celebrate their progress.

April 6, 2026 | 2 min read

Nourish to flourish

When patients have living situations that affect nutrition—like unstable housing or limited access to fresh produce—screen for food insecurity. Learn about available resources in your clinic and community, and refer patients as needed.

March 16, 2026 | 1 min read

Lessons from Conroy’s book “Body and Soul” applicable to healthcare

Becoming masterful, in piano or healthcare delivery, requires a lot from the individual and the larger support / educational systems. Deliberate practice with reflection, resilience, comfort with ambiguity, and openness to input from others, are some of the important notes to hit on the path to becoming a maestro.

February 9, 2026 | 1 min read

Vaccines, vigilance, and equity

Funding cuts and disease resurgence demand immediate action: work to expand vaccination in the communities you serve. This protects vulnerable patients and preserves hard-won gains.

January 23, 2026 | 3 min read

Unconscious bias in weight management

Excellent weight management care includes asking what patients have already tried and what barriers they face. Then offer evidence‑based options, including behavioral supports.

September 5, 2018 | <1 min read

Interview with Dr. Wolff: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

A 3-minute video interview with oncologist Antonio Wolff, MD, on the privilege of taking care of patients.

November 21, 2025 | 2 min read

The promise and pitfalls of GLP-1s

This new class of weight loss drugs is not a magic fix. Work with patients to set realistic goals, start low and titrate slowly, and counsel on GI risks.

October 20, 2025 | 2 min read

White coat/blue gown

When I became a patient, loss of control helped me realize how much trust I needed to place in my doctor. As a clinician, I will remember my experience and the need to build trust with candor and clear communication.

August 29, 2018 | <1 min read

Interview With Dr. Geetha: A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

On the importance of meaningful long-term patient-physician partnerships: enjoy a 3-minute video interview with Dr. Duvuru Geetha.

September 2, 2025 | 3 min read

Gambling with health

Gambling disorder frequently goes unrecognized in clinical settings despite its significant impact on mental and physical health. Clinicians can routinely screen for it using validated tools and refer at-risk patients to resources.

August 12, 2025 | 2 min read

Safe and sound care

Now more than ever, create an affirming healthcare environment for LGBTQIA+ patients by using respectful language and addressing unique care needs.

May 14, 2025 | 2 min read

Spring always comes

A healthcare professional’s consistent efforts in caring for patients contributes to all of our well-being, even when progress seems slow.

April 30, 2025 | 2 min read

Aging and autonomy

Many older patients struggle with losing independence. Healthcare professionals can partner with them and their loved ones to ease challenging transitions.

August 15, 2018 | <1 min read

A CLOSLER Look: Interview with Dr. Ziegelstein

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

"Patients let you into a part of their lives that they often don't let anyone else into." Enjoy a short 4-minute YouTube to learn how Dr. Ziegelstein became attuned to the emotional health of his heart patients.

December 11, 2024 | 2 min read

Taking the call

By Stasia Reynolds, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It is a privilege to bear witness to the suffering our patients endure and to share in the joy that comes in honoring a dying wish.

October 31, 2024 | 3 min read

The human cost of toxic work culture

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

August 26, 2024 | 1 min read

The medical Tower of Babel

Immigrant patients often face challenges when accessing healthcare because of language and cultural barriers. Certified medical interpreters can help reduce the likelihood of inequities in care.

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.

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.

March 6, 2024 | 2 min read

Both sides

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I realized that I didn’t truly understand my patients’ pain until I experienced pain myself. This has allowed me to give even better care.

July 18, 2018 | 2 min read

The Bell Curve

By Lee Akst, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The difference between a 99.5% and 99.95% success rate isn't necessarily in knowledge or training, but in physician attitudes towards adapting and changing to evolving information.

August 22, 2023 | 4 min read

HeART And Soul

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

Incorporating the arts into patient care may be a step toward infusing compassion into what can be a dehumanizing healthcare environment.

July 10, 2018 | 1 min read

Pause Before Hospitalizing the Elderly

By Samuel Durso, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Confusion among hospitalized older adults is common and dangerous. The hospital environment should be avoided if at all possible, with a goal of managing acutely ill older adults at home.

Role playing "Dungeons and Dragons."

July 31, 2023 | 3 min read

Dungeons and Dragons and Medicine

By Lillian Houston, MD, Southern Illinois University

D&D teaches us that the team is our most important asset. Interdisciplinary and diverse teams that communicate openly are most successful.

June 15, 2023 | 1 min read

Lessons From a Humble Mentor

By Rafael Llinas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My mentor, Dr. Martin Samuels, modeled outstanding communication skills with patients, colleagues, and trainees. He discussed times when he was wrong so that others could learn from his mistakes.

May 30, 2023 | 2 min read

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial? Intelligent? Neither or Both?

By Matthew Peters, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

AI can complement the work of mental health professionals, in addition to performing clerical tasks and analyzing big data for insightful trends.

"Jazzed about teaching others? Volunteer for a few hours to teach K-12 students about medicine or science."

May 1, 2023 | 2 min read

Choose Your Own Adventure

When choosing and leading well-being initiatives, consider what would most meaningfully help you and your colleagues thrive.

April 17, 2023 | 1 min read

The Joy of Napping

By Randy Barker, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, retired

I love to nap on my days off and tell my patients about this joy. When we share pieces of ourselves, we can connect more deeply as human beings.

February 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“Now-right And Future-wrong”

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Clear communication about uncertainty can help clinicians and patients better cope with unexpected or undesirable outcomes.

September 26, 2022 | 3 min read

Concerning Hobbits: On Middle-earth and Medicine

By Tina Zhang, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Zach Lorenz, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

J.R.R. Tolkein’s beloved trilogy offers lessons for life and medicine, including journeying with our patients through dark times and effectively engaging in teamwork.