June 2, 2020 | 3 min read

“Flattening the Curve”

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

The pandemic is breaking down the traditional hierarchy of medical education. Opportunities are emerging for faculty to learn even more from residents.

February 7, 2024 | 2 min read

Vacations: a “how-to” guide 

Vacations have been shown to reduce burnout, but sometimes it can feel hard to take time off. Blocking vacation time at the start of the year and getting coverage in place early may help. 

January 23, 2024 | 1 min read

Book review of “The algorithm will see you now”

By Joan Naidorf, DO

In this medical thriller set in the not-too-distant future, diagnosis and treatment are performed entirely by AI. The novel serves as a reminder that AI must be used thoughtfully and responsibly.  

September 7, 2022 | 2 min read

“Hysteria”

By Tina Zhang, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We need to be aware of our own gender biases that could adversely affect women. To combat this, engage in shared decision-making with patients and be a lifelong learner of female health topics.   

November 13, 2025 | 2 min read

Cognitive shuffle 

For patients with insomnia, coach them to visualize vivid, unrelated images to disrupt rumination and promote sleep onset. You can try it yourself, too! 

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.

November 8, 2021 | 1 min read

Lessons Learned From 30 Years of Night Shifts

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Patience, stamina, and fortitude are important traits to cultivate in medicine at any and all times.

December 19, 2022 | 2 min read

Female Leaders in Surgery

By Ming-Hsien Wang, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

More women surgeons will increase the diversity of ideas and perspectives needed for excellent patient care. 

April 2, 2019 | 5 min read

Connecting to Historical Roots

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

There are a number of important physicians in history, and an appreciation of our past can further our quest for clinical excellence in the present.

September 8, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Mitigate Caregiver Burnout

By Simone Lescott, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Caring for a loved one can be emotionally exhausting. Remind caregivers to prioritize self-care and encourage them to seek support from others.

May 10, 2022 | 2 min read

Supporting Underrepresented Trainees

By Vivian Altiery De Jesus, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When witnessing racism, we must support those affected to foster an environment of safety and respect.

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. 

July 20, 2020 | 6 min read

Art and Connection During COVID-19

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

In a time of physical distancing, stepping out of our comfort zone to find creative and unconventional ways to connect with patients and colleagues can bring us together.

January 8, 2020 | 1 min read

Medical Overuse: When the Care we Give Doesn’t Help

By Daniel Morgan, MD, University of Maryland

The clinically excellent clinician must commit to reducing overuse.

February 6, 2025 | 2 min read

Code blue 

By Ursula Gately, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Extreme heat often dominates the climate change conversation, however the dangers of extreme cold may be more perilous. Support patients, particularly those who are unhoused or with housing insecurity, by making sure they know about local warming shelters and advising them to limit exposure to the elements. 

January 9, 2020 | 3 min read

Top Tips to Support Yourself While Pregnant and Working in Healthcare

You yourself or clinician colleagues will undoubtedly take parental leave at some point. Clinically excellent clinicians and practices use this as an opportunity to enhance continuity and ensure high quality care.

November 7, 2018 | 3 min read

How to Reduce Caregiver Burden

By Jessica Colburn, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Healthcare providers have the ability to provide support, connection, and resources that can help to reduce caregiver burden and increase caregiver joy.

June 25, 2019 | 3 min read

The Shared Experience

By Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins 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.

August 15, 2022 | 2 min read

Role Modeling Vulnerability

By Daniel Saddawi-Konefka, MD, MBA, Massachusetts General Hospital

When a patient dies, sharing your emotions with trainees normalizes this response and highlights our shared humanity.  

July 16, 2025 | 2 min read

Bowls of care 

Respecting patients’ cultural traditions—like families bringing food to loved ones in the hospital—can provide emotional comfort and strengthen the therapeutic alliance.  

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.

May 25, 2021 | 1 min read

“Put Your Oxygen Mask on First”

By Zeina Moukarzel, MD, MPH, Beirut, Lebanon

If clinicians don’t feel well emotionally, they may not be able to provide excellent care to their patients. When experiencing burnout, it’s advisable to take time off for rejuvenation and to consider ways to advocate for systemic change.

August 8, 2019 | 2 min read

The Circle of Re-Humanizing Medicine

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

We need human-based medicine in conjunction with evidence-based medicine. If we only identify as scientists and not as healers, we risk dehumanizing our patients and ourselves.

December 16, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Make New Habits Stick, Part 1

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits,” teaches us that the best way to start good habits is to implement small changes. This framework can help clinicians and patients meaningfully improve their daily routine. 

March 24, 2020 | 1 min read

Exercising for Wellness During the Pandemic

By Erica Leonard, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

With the drastic changes to our lives due to COVID-19, we can still stay active. Exercise during this challenging time can help improve everyone's emotional well-being and physical health.

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.

January 27, 2025 | 2 min read

The green hospital 

By Nick Dalesio, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Recognize the significant environmental impact of your healthcare practices. Advocate for and implement sustainable solutions, such as optimizing workflow to reduce waste and improve resource utilization. 

February 24, 2018 | 1 min read

Battling The System in Defense of Diagnosis

By Souvik Chatterjee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare delivery is at odds with a fundamental aspect of being a physician—strategic curriculum interventions are necessary to preserve the art of diagnosis.

October 5, 2022 | 2 min read

Long Drives, Slow Thinking

By Margot Kelly-Hedrick, MD, University of Washington

I no longer think of my long commute as “wasted” time. Spending it reflecting on the lives of my patients has reignited my passion for medicine.

August 1, 2022 | 1 min read

Keeping Children Safe

By Katherine Hoops, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Monique Burke, MD, President, MD Chapter of the AAP

The new Safer Communities Act helps clinicians connect patients to mental healthcare. Hopefully, this will reduce youth gun violence, including suicide. 

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. 

March 23, 2020 | 4 min read

Finding the Right Words—Lessons From Nurse Mary Borden

By Iro Filippaki, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

WWI Nurse Mary Borden's autobiography provides inspiration to search for the right words to describe our experience, and perhaps, find solace as we face the challenges of medicine.

June 24, 2020 | 1 min read

3 Things You Can do to Fight Racism

By Christle Nwora, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We must each take personal responsibility for educating ourselves about racism. Increasing our understanding will allow us to improve health outcomes for all of our patients.

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.