You searched for Wellness - Page 13 of 25 - CLOSLER

January 12, 2026 | 3 min read

Optimizing interdisciplinary care

Healthcare is a team sport. When working through conflict within your care team, integrate perspectives to deliver better care.

April 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Listening to Every Patient

By Pringl Miller, MD, San Francisco, California

To give clinically excellent care to the patient in front of you, ask yourself: “Am I carefully listening to what the patient is telling me? Am I incorporating what I’ve heard into the care plan?”

July 9, 2024 | 3 min read

Takeaways from the book “Progress Notes”

By Abraham Nussbaum, MD, Denver Health

Excellent clinicians understand patients not just as bodies, but also as individuals within a community. Healthcare professionals should be trained in both for a more holistic approach to patient care.

January 23, 2020 | <1 min read

Close Listening

By Scott Newsome, DO, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

An excellent clinician always listens closely to their patients. This enhances their perspective on the patient's point of view.

White Mountains, New Hampshire.

July 6, 2023 | 3 min read

Peaks And Patients

By Rishab Ramapriyan, medical student, Harvard Medical School

In medicine, as in hiking, learning to be comfortable with uncertainty is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my medical training.

January 31, 2019 | 1 min read

How to be Mindful About Infection Prevention

By Clare Rock, MBBCh, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

To be mindful of preventing the spread of infection, embrace change in procedures with an open mind when it is for the greater good.

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.

February 5, 2025 | 1 min read

Pathological hiccups

Sometimes benign symptoms can herald more serious problems. Being ready and willing to reconsider initial impressions is crucial for accurately discovering the underlying etiology.

June 1, 2022 | 2 min read

“The Pause”

By Eileen Barrett, MD, MPH

Healthcare professionals give their best patient care when they are emotionally well. Making time to grieve the loss of a patient can help clinicians heal.

April 28, 2025 | 3 min read

Spotting victims—human trafficking is not uncommon

Healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to identify and help victims of human and labor trafficking. Read on for practical tips for how to recognize and support these patients.

October 12, 2020 | 2 min read

Advising Parents on a Safe Halloween

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Peyton Pike, MS, CCLS, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Rosemary Hawkins, MS, CCLS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By being creative, everyone can safely celebrate Halloween this year. Beyond your household, consider holding a neighborhood physically distanced costume parade.

December 12, 2023 | 2 min read

“CARE”

By Kelly Buckholdt, PhD, Veterans Health Administration, William Laurento II, MEdL

There’s no more dramatic way to understand patient-centered care than being a patient.

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.

February 24, 2022 | 3 min read

New dad and healthcare professional

By Ben Roberts, CRNP, AGACNP-BC, ACHPN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Placing my child’s and my patients’ needs before my own gives me purpose. These responsibilities help mitigate burnout and allow me to give excellent care.

December 22, 2025 | 2 min read

BREATHE better at home

To improve indoor air quality, counsel patients to combine source control with filtration. This includes eliminating smoking/vaping and avoiding fragrances like scented candles/incense. Recommend air cleaners with HEPA and carbon filters.

March 30, 2021 | 2 min read

Leveraging Your Professional Network For Your Growth

By Kevin Frick, PhD, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

In your professional network, include those who challenge and question you. Peer feedback and coaching can help improve your care of patients.

July 2, 2024 | 4 min read

Seeing

By Kamna Balhara, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When patients present frequently to the ED, clinicians must make an effort to validate them as individuals. It's also important to be aware of and work to change the underlying social determinants that may drive their visits.

January 16, 2020 | 2 min read

The Danger of Reinforcing Negative Biases

By Yolonda Wilson, PhD, 2019-2020 Fellow at the National Humanities Center and 2019-2020 Encore Public Voices Fellow

The way clinicians talk about patients publicly reinforces biases about race, gender, class, etc.

July 3, 2023 | 1 min read

Pronouns Matter

By Kevin Frick, PhD, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

A reminder to try to use a person’s preferred pronouns. This can help people feel more welcome and comfortable.

April 23, 2020 | 1 min read

Bibliotherapy

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Happy World Book Day! Read more fiction to broaden your perspectives. If you've never listened to an audiobook, try it! It might just change your life!

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.

August 4, 2020 | 2 min read

3 Tips for Talking With Patients About Advance Directives

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

ALL clinicians can and should encourage patients to document their wishes regarding medical decisions in case they’re unable to make these decisions for themselves.

May 26, 2022 | 3 min read

Who Was Trayvon Martin?!

By Victor Ekuta, visiting medical student, Penn Medicine

We must pay attention to current events that may be significant to our patients. Staying curious may help us to connect and build rapport with those we serve.

April 23, 2025 | 3 min read

Teamwork Rx

Medical team huddles are a powerful practice to foster unity. This routine promotes teamwork, collaboration, and respect.

Encourage parents to support their teens in connecting with friends safely.

October 7, 2020 | 1 min read

CLOSLER Together

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Discussing CLOSLER pieces in groups may yield more insights than simply reading on your own. Consider adding a discussion of a piece to your next staff, practice, or division meeting.

December 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“I need this test.”

By Pavitri Dwivedi, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When patients request a test that you think is unnecessary, be curious and elicit why they feel this way. Then address their concerns about the condition being screened.

June 10, 2019 | 4 min read

Lessons learned from my journey through depression

By Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

Being a patient has taught me patience, with myself, with those I care about, and with those I care for as physician.

Dr. William Greenough teaches about best practice in homecare.

June 20, 2018 | 1 min read

Home Care: A Better Way To Care For Ventilator Patients

By William Greenough, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Using portable ventilator technologies in the patient’s home can provide a higher quality of life.

December 15, 2025 | 2 min read

Pause, pattern, plan

Turn gut feelings into patient-centered next steps. Instincts may guide you, but confirm each step with the patient’s goals, evidence, and team input.

June 24, 2024 | 2 min read

Partnering with patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in medical decision-making

By Sara Mixter, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, explore supported decision-making options and prioritize communication needs. These steps should offer them more control over medical choices.

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.

January 10, 2019 | 3 min read

How to Improve Your Physical Diagnostic Skills With a Digital Database

By Samuel Durso, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To sharpen diagnostic skill, take a minute to cross check the physical exam against images and lab results in the electronic record - if not congruent, then why?

September 9, 2021 | 2 min read

Advising Patients About Heat-Related Illness

By Shaista Ahmed, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Many heat-related illnesses are preventable. Advise patients to avoid going outdoors in peak heat hours, drink plenty of fluids, and know where cooling centers are in their community.

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.

August 12, 2020 | 2 min read

Chief Complaint: Racism

By Syeachia Dennis, MD, University of Oklahoma

Patients are increasingly recognizing the impact of racism on their health. We should be prepared to help patients confront this and consider this core to our work to systemically address this public health crisis.

May 25, 2022 | 2 min read

Between The Lines

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sometimes patient questions aren’t something to answer quickly. Instead, they can create a space to explore underlying concerns.

April 8, 2025 | 3 min read

“Can you help me die?”

By Carolyn Rennels, MD, University of San Francisco

When a patient asks about medical assistance in dying, prioritize deep listening and exploration of fears and hopes over immediate procedural responses. This can help reassure them that you’ll accompany them to the end.

December 4, 2023 | 2 min read

More than a “picture”

By Kittane "Vishnu" Vishnupriya, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When explaining medical procedures to patients, use straightforward terms. Also, be mindful to maintain accuracy and clearly outline any risks.

"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.

Reverse Waterfall, Nasik, Maharashtra, India.

February 16, 2022 | 1 min read

Mentorship in Reverse

By Rayah Sawaya, MD, American University of Beirut

If you find a mentor who’s helpful and generous, consider reciprocating with “reverse mentoring.”

September 27, 2022 | 2 min read

When?

By Shreya Srivastava, medical student, Albany Medical College

When my friend was struggling with her mother’s new diagnosis, she listened to the popular French song about cancer entitled, “Quand c’est?” It gave her a sense of support, empathy, and solidarity with others.

December 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Winter humbles the leaves

Balance diagnostic exhilaration with goals-of-care conversations centered on the values of the patient and family.

May 10, 2018 | 3 min read

Truly Listen: Clinical Excellence in Nephrology

By Edward Kraus, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Listen to your patient, try to understand what they're saying, and think beyond policies and protocols to be the best advocate possible.

June 13, 2024 | 2 min read

Lightening the load

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians can prioritize patient well-being by discussing the burden of engaging in care. Collaborate with patients to ensure recommendations are feasible and consider alternative approaches if necessary.

January 28, 2020 | 3 min read

Racism From Patients—an Ethical Dilemma

By Sonal Gandhi, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A cornerstone of clinical excellence is treating all patients with respect and dignity. This is true even when treating those patients who are not respectful to you.

June 6, 2023 | 3 min read

Plant Straight Rows

By Kyle Glienke, MD, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Iowa

In farming, as in medicine, focusing only on daily tasks may keep us from seeing the impact we have.

January 7, 2019 | 2 min read

Helping Your Patient Get Better Sleep During Hospital Stays

Sleep is important during hospitalization, and we need to maximize quality and quantity the best we can for our patients. Asking about your patient’s sleep and identifying ways to improve it when possible is one way to start.

“Imagine your baby’s lungs are a tree,” she said. “A pleural effusion would be a puddle around the tree while pulmonary edema is water on the leaves.” The mother seemed to follow along, nodding her head. I was grateful to hear this metaphor that inspired me to utilize pictorial representations more.

August 19, 2021 | 2 min read

The Power of Pictures

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

When educating patients about their illness, it’s often helpful to include pictures and visual descriptions to improve understanding.

January 16, 2025 | 2 min read

Talk to her

By Uma Balachandran, medical student, Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

My blind aunt's encounter with a clinician highlighted the problem of ableism in medicine. Her experience is a reminder to always communicate directly with disabled patients and ask about their preference for identity-first or person-first language.

"Imperial Purple," by Spencer Finch. Photo copyright with the authors.

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.