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October 30, 2018 | 1 min read

The Joy of Patient Volunteers

By Steve Kravet, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Ask a patient to volunteer in your clinic or office - I guarantee it will add to the joy of medicine and the joy of life!

November 1, 2022 | 3 min read

Songs From The Hospital

By Shreya Srivastava, medical student, Albany Medical College

Music can supplement clinical care by creating a calm atmosphere to help patients feel safe and welcome.

August 25, 2022 | 3 min read

Hugs Are Medicine

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Showing genuine warmth is a compassionate way to comfort our patients.

July 22, 2019 | 5 min read

5 Lessons From Visible Ink

By Anoushka Sinha, MD, Columbia University

It is humbling to remember we are merely characters in our patients' stories. We are neither the author nor the narrator, and certainly not the lead.

Kim Mryncza

I enjoy spending time with my children and dog, volunteering with Girl and Boy Scouts, relaxing at the beach, yoga, and gardening. I also find it relaxing to rehab furniture in my spare time.

May 21, 2020 | 1 min read

The Importance of Writing For Popular Media Outlets

By Koushik Kasanagottu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In this era of misinformation, we have a moral responsibility as physician-citizens to write for media outlets that our patients read. Sharing accurate health information with the general public can inform decision-making and improve health.

October 19, 2022 | 2 min read

Do Not Miss

By Matthew McEvoy, MD, Houston, Texas

While volunteering in a chaplain’s office as an undergrad, I learned that patients can gain strength from many sources. As a clinician, I ask all patients, “How can we support your spirituality within the healthcare system?”

"My book knowledge will allow me to recognize the pattern leading to a medical diagnosis, but I must also move beyond the mnemonic and to make time for the person seated in front of me."

July 28, 2022 | 2 min read

Passing Tests And Failing my Family

By Emily Rodriguez, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Book knowledge about addiction offered me little to support my family members and others affected by this illness. To holistically serve, we need to take the time to connect and genuinely understand each person.

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.

June 22, 2022 | 1 min read

Explaining The Risks of Vaping

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prioritize discussions about the long-term consequences of smoking. Be aware that just because someone has quit doesn’t mean that they won’t relapse.

April 14, 2022 | 1 min read

Supporting Young Adults Who Use E-Cigarettes

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When talking with young patients about tobacco dependence, first create a judgment-free zone and ask open-ended questions to understand why they use the product.

February 23, 2022 | 1 min read

Why we Must be Mentors

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mentoring is essential to supporting trainees. Helping learners find their passion and grow will ultimately allow them to find happiness and meaning in their work.

October 7, 2021 | 1 min read

Wildfires and public health

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals must work with the community they serve, focusing on open dialogues and communication. This will help citizens deal with unforeseen challenges.

The author with Imam Hassan A. Aman, Johns Hopkins Ministry Advisory Board, sharing ideas about diversity.

May 23, 2018 | 2 min read

Identity: Knowing How Our Patients Describe Themselves Matters

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The complexity of identity is what makes “getting to know your patient” important, and allows for deeper cultural engagement, exchange, understanding, and, ultimately, helps us to create a culturally competent health plan with our patients.

Many of the anti-vaccine messages aim to bring forth emotion in the public, especially fear. Remain calm when talking with patients, friends, family, and neighbors.

May 26, 2021 | 1 min read

Talking with those opposed to vaccines (archives, 2021)

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When speaking with people who respond to scientific information in a challenging manner, the most critical thing to remember is to stay calm. Refrain from simply "talking over" those with whom you're in conversation.

March 15, 2021 | 1 min read

How to talk with patients who are vaccine-hesitant (archives, 2021)

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When speaking with patients reluctant to get vaccinated, listen to their concerns, and convey respect and empathy.

November 19, 2020 | <1 min read

Quitting Smoking During The Pandemic

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Remind patients that quitting smoking is hard and takes time. This will help them take a first step toward better health.

April 24, 2018 | 2 min read

Equality v. Equity

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working towards giving equitable care, not equal care, should be our focus, especially if we’re aiming to shrink the health disparities gap.

If weather permits, advise patients to plan their feast outside this Thanksgiving,

November 12, 2020 | 1 min read

How to Have Healthy Holidays

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Helping patients plan safe get-togethers can slow the spread of COVID-19. Following guidelines may allow patients to connect with their family.

March 29, 2018 | 1 min read

Top Five Tips For Successful Community Engagement

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Part II of II: Five specific strategies to gain the trust of your patient’s community, agree on health goals, and together define what success looks like.

March 28, 2018 | 2 min read

The Physician-Citizen—Making Health Accessible to All

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Part I of II: Why being “bedside” in our patients’ communities matters.

December 9, 2019 | 1 min read

Presence in Final Moments

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Traditionally, we have "protected" families from witnessing abrupt or unexpected death in our hospitals. This assumption may be incorrect; offering families the chance to be present can be what is wanted and needed.

September 24, 2019 | 1 min read

Counseling Patients on the Dangers of E-cigarettes

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

E-cigarettes pose unique health risks. Screening and informing our patients of these concerns is imperative.

August 30, 2019 | 1 min read

The Gatekeepers of “Fairness”

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Excellent clinicians spend time listening to patients, acknowledging concerns, and empathizing with feelings that life is not fair.

May 28, 2019 | 3 min read

Supporting my Patients who Smoke

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It's important to make sure that the responsibility for addressing tobacco dependence is placed on the shoulders of clinicians, and off of the shoulders of the afflicted.

January 3, 2019 | 1 min read

Post-Holiday Reflections

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Throughout the entirety of the year, placing emphasis on humanity and connecting with patients is paramount.

December 27, 2018 | 2 min read

“Charm City” Movie Review

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The upcoming film "Charm City" emphasizes that the struggles of each patient who comes to clinic extend far beyond a medical diagnosis. We must be conscious of our patients' many challenges and mindful to address them. Making time to ask about your patient's day-to-day concerns, worries, and fears about their homes, neighborhoods, and communities can help you to get a fuller perspective of their medical and social determinants of health. This will allow you to reach relevant goals of care together.

Clouds at sunset, Paliambella, Greece. Photo by the author.

November 6, 2018 | 1 min read

Lessons From Paliambella, Greece

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working to cultivate community cohesiveness in the neighborhoods where we work and where our patients live could help community health achieve its fullest potential. Here are a few simple ways to get started.

October 10, 2018 | <1 min read

Engaging With Patients’ Communities

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making time to engage with my patients' community has made all the difference in giving clinically excellent care. Enjoy my recent TED Talk, where I tell the story of my journey to connect with my patients' community in Baltimore, Maryland.

January 8, 2025 | 2 min read

Beyond the inhaler

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Effective and equitable asthma management requires a holistic approach that addresses the social determinants of health, including air quality, housing conditions, and environmental factors.

Miami, FL, USA - March 23, 2024: Passing out Narcan nasal spray at the Ultra Music Festival Miami.

April 23, 2024 | 1 min read

Outside the clinic walls: making Narcan accessible to everyone

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a combined approach of medical treatment and community engagement. Clinicians must work to educate their community about addiction and provide them with resources like Narcan.

June 14, 2023 | 1 min read

Is it safe to breathe?

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Wildfires are worsening in intensity and frequency due to global warming. When the air quality is poor, encourage those with underlying cardiopulmonary conditions to stay inside if possible, and to wear a well-fitted mask outdoors.

June 25, 2018 | 2 min read

Identity Part II: Knowing Your Own Past

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I’m not a doctor who engages with the community; rather, I’m a community member who became a doctor. This identity has helped me strengthen and maintain my relationships with my patients.

January 27, 2022 | 2 min read

Fostering Connections During the Pandemic

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It’s been challenging for everyone to stay social through the ongoing pandemic. Trying a new hobby with a friend, and encouraging our patients to do the same, will help us stay connected through these difficult times.

November 21, 2023 | 2 min read

“You’ll need someone to drive you home”

By Megan Murphy, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Transportation may be a barrier to healthcare, especially for procedures requiring sedation. Sometimes we need to think creatively and partner with others in order to find solutions.

January 4, 2023 | 2 min read

Intergenerational Connections

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We can benefit from relationships with those of different ages. Encourage patients to consider joining a community group with people from across generations.

April 8, 2020 | 5 min read

Professionalism of Clinicians and Healthcare Leaders During a Pandemic

By Kat Jong, MD, University of Washington

Working responsibly from home is definitely acceptable. Healthcare leaders and clinicians must partner to ensure that our patients are receiving excellent care, mitigating risks whenever possible.

January 29, 2020 | 2 min read

How to Give Patients Presence

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Leaving your own worries at the door, sitting at eye level, and listening attentively are three important ways to connect meaningfully with your patients.

July 14, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Talk to Children About Gun Violence

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Give children time and space to talk about their worries and listen closely. Remember, it’s always best for children to first hear the news from a trusted adult.

September 13, 2021 | 4 min read

Only Connect

By Susrutha “Sus” Kotwal, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Missing a diagnosis made me realize the value of a thorough physical exam. It can often illuminate the cause of the illness.

June 30, 2021 | 2 min read

Promoting Wellness Through Intergenerational Connections

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Bridging the generations can enhance emotional well-being for young and old. Encourage patients to reach out to older family members and neighbors!

September 23, 2020 | 4 min read

Lessons From an Elective in Narrative Medicine

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Reflection reconnects you with yourself, opens opportunities for mentorship, and brings greater empathy to patient care.

May 7, 2024 | 1 min read

Shifting careers

By Zeina Moukarzel, MD, MPH, Beirut, Lebanon

As healthcare professionals, there are multiple ways to have a positive impact on the world. If and when you step away from patient care, thoughtfully consider what will bring fulfillment and purpose.

March 20, 2024 | 2 min read

“HEARTS”

Creating and appreciating art as part of professional development can foster connection, promote well-being, and cultivate empathy. It can also provide opportunities for self-reflection.

February 1, 2024 | 3 min read

Remembering your why during challenging times

By Vee Balendra, medical student, Saint James School of Medicine, Illinois

Working in healthcare can sometimes feel overwhelming. During times of stress, recalling why you chose your career may help to inspire and rejuvenate.

November 1, 2023 | 2 min read

Lean on me

By Laura Hanyok, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Upon learning of my patient’s death, I called their spouse to offer support. Realizing my need to talk with someone, I turned to my colleague, who was able to help me refocus on giving excellent care to other patients.

September 6, 2023 | 3 min read

Getting Older in Medicine

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Both of my knees need to be replaced—I already can’t wait to get back to playing pickleball. I now have renewed empathy in the OR and remind patients: “Recovery will take time. Try to be patient.”

June 20, 2023 | 1 min read

The Road Not Taken

By Antonio Forte, LMSW, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Larkin Corrigan, MSW, Portland, Oregon

If patients can’t manage on their own, clinicians and staff can help them use social support networks and other resources to find transportation to their appointments. Virtual visits can also be considered.

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.

"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

By Laura Hanyok, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

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