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.

March 22, 2022 | 1 min read

Navigating my First Patient Death

By Elissa Abou Khalil, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Acknowledging feelings and asking for support may help when dealing with loss.  

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.

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 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.

May 19, 2021 | 3 min read

Clinical Training Translating to Clinical Excellence

By Jennifer Spicer, MD, MPH, Emory University

Bias awareness achieved in teaching/learning can transfer to the clinic. Thus learners can help clinicians become aware of bias toward patients.

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.

July 20, 2022 | 2 min read

“I’ll do your abortion.”

By Jill Edwardson, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We enter every patient encounter with our own unique experiences, judgements, and values, as do our patients. Only when we acknowledge this can we truly connect with compassion.

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. 

October 11, 2021 | 2 min read

Helping Patients Share Disappointing Diagnoses With Loved Ones

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Michelle McWhirter, LCSW-C, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Patients often want to share significant health news with loved ones. You can help them choose when and how to disclose this information.

March 21, 2018 | 2 min read

İnsan Olmak—Being Human

By Ezgi Ozalp Akın, MD, Ankara University

Developmental pediatrician Ezgi Ozalp Akın, MD, shares insights gleaned from "İnsan Olmak" on being human.

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. 

April 24, 2018 | 2 min read

Equality v. Equity

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

March 23, 2022 | <1 min read

Keeping The Readers in Mind

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

When documenting in the medical record, we must use respectful language. Both our patients and colleagues will appreciate and benefit from our thoughtfulness. 

July 2, 2020 | 4 min read

3 Tips for Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Academic Medicine

By LaShyra Nolen, Medical Student, Harvard University

White educators and learners must commit to doing the work and educating themselves on how to be antiracist. Black colleagues should not be responsible for educating those around them.

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 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. 

May 13, 2021 | 2 min read

Talking with patients who are vaccine-hesitant (archives, 2021)

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

We must listen without judgment to patients who are vaccine-hesitant. We need to hear their worries and concerns to address them appropriately.

May 13, 2019 | 7 min read

April Art Museum Challenge

By Flora Smyth Zahra, MA Clin Ed, DRestDent RCS, FHEA, Kings College London, Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Slow looking can enable clinicians to see more deeply, think more critically, and engage more meaningfully in patient care. Time spent in a museum supports clinician wellness and nurtures student professional identity formation.

June 18, 2018 | 2 min read

How To Help Your Patients Get Better Sleep, Part I

A sleep specialist reminds us of the importance of asking patients about their sleep.

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.

October 4, 2021 | 1 min read

Words Matter

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When serving as an advocate for a family member, I noted judgmental language in the EHR. This reminds me as a clinician to consider how patients (and their families) will feel when they read my notes.

February 12, 2020 | 1 min read

Agents of Change—Learning From Gen Z Healthcare Students

By Kevin Pan, Medical Student, Ohio University School of Medicine

Excellent clinicians are committed to reducing health inequity.

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. 

June 12, 2024 | 3 min read

Getting serious about citrus 

By Maureen Flood, NP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In patients with chronic conditions and socially determined health risks, remember to consider vitamin C deficiency. 

October 28, 2020 | 1 min read

Preventing Dry Eye in the Zoom Era

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Increased online activities during the pandemic has caused higher rates of dry eye for many. All clinicians should encourage their patients to take regular short breaks from screens.

January 2, 2019 | 3 min read

The Human Experience of Illness

By Tina Zhang, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Paintings, photographs, and poems can foster dialogue about the human experience of illness and allow learners to approach challenging topics in a more comfortable way.

March 16, 2022 | 1 min read

How to Support Patients With Autism Post-Pandemic

By Ayman Mukerji Houseman, MS, MSW, New York City

When caring for patients with autism who are moving back to in-person interactions, suggest changes that are gradual with input from patients and their caregivers. 

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.

May 25, 2023 | 2 min read

Fighting The Feed

By Colleen Schreyer, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Limiting social media use and being selective about what you view can help cultivate a positive body image. 

January 15, 2025 | 2 min read

A spray away from the answer 

This clinical conundrum, related to hypoxia, underscores the importance of meticulous history-taking and the potential for unexpected complications with seemingly benign medications. 

May 6, 2021 | 3 min read

Plus ça Change: The Rise And Rise of Syphilis

By Matthew Hamill, MBChB, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Syphilis cases have reached an all-time high. To turn the tide, the first thing we need to do is ask patients an open-ended question about sexual activity, like "When was the last time you had sex?"

May 14, 2019 | 4 min read

Review of “Critical Crash”

By Andre Lijoi, MD, York, Pennsylvania

We all have our woundedness, and our own story is important in the context of caring for our patients. These stories and wounds operate in the background of our consciousness and we must recognize and manage them.

July 18, 2022 | 2 min read

How to have effective discussions about alcohol 

By Beth McGinty, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Talking with patients about the risks of heavy alcohol consumption and the benefits of change can have a positive impact on their health. 

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.  

September 27, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Communicate Clearly About Medication Directions

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Always use simple language with patients when giving directions about how to take medication, and check for understanding.   

March 20, 2018 | 2 min read

7 Things Clinicians Can Learn From Therapy Dogs

By Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Johns Hopkins Pet Therapy Program

Dogs see the person in front of them only as people and not as patients.

September 21, 2022 | 1 min read

Helping Patients Navigate Risk in The New Normal

By David Hurwitz, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Using empathic listening to give COVID-related advice will help your patients balance the risks of the pandemic with enjoying the activities in their lives that matter most. 

May 30, 2024 | 1 min read

Transparency and trust 

By Justin Colleran, patient, Ireland, Miriam Colleran, MD, St. Brigids Hospice & Naas General Hospital, Ireland

The delayed diagnosis of my brother's appendicitis highlighted the importance of honesty and accountability when medical errors occur. By openly acknowledging mistakes, doctors can rebuild trust. 

December 27, 2018 | 2 min read

“Charm City” Movie Review

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.

March 10, 2022 | 2 min read

Balanced conversations about weight

By Colleen Schreyer, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians can treat weight as simply one more piece of health information that they incorporate into a holistic care plans. This can mitigate stigma and foster empathy. 

July 13, 2020 | 2 min read

Eklavya and the Power of Online Learning

By Mrinali Shetty, MD, University of Chicago, Yuvraj Chowdhury, MD, SUNY Downstate Medical Center

During the pandemic, there has been an increase in educational offerings that can enhance our clinical skills. This expansion of virtual learning opportunities, (like open-access Zoom lectures and grand rounds, and #MedTwitter #tweetorials on countless topics), can be a boon for all.

July 5, 2018 | 1 min read

Getting the Most Out of Your Eyes

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If you look at your patients as you would a piece of art in a museum, you will notice many details that would otherwise be missed.

May 7, 2019 | 2 min read

Finding Balance

By Danielle Johnson, MD, Lindner Center of HOPE, University of Cincinnati

Small gestures while supporting patients through trauma and grief can make a big difference.

June 13, 2018 | 1 min read

Behavioral Change Bolstered By Human Touch

By Souvik Chatterjee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A human doctor is a critical component of creating change in patient behavior and health.

September 16, 2021 | 1 min read

Recognize, Synthesize, Execute

By Harisa Spahic, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University

Reflecting about the inspiring clinicians that I’ve shadowed, I noticed that they have a gift for synthesizing information in a way that’s clear and appropriate for the patient.

January 2, 2020 | 1 min read

A Commonly Uncommon Patient

By Jeffrey Trost, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Asking colleagues for help and re-reviewing data are essential in identifying clues to an accurate diagnosis.

September 20, 2022 | 2 min read

When And How to Self-disclose

By Meher Kalkat, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sharing our own mental health experiences is often discouraged. Sometimes, disclosure may help you connect more deeply with others. 

May 21, 2024 | 1 min read

Time out 

By Haruka Torok, MD, MSc, University of Minnesota

When emotions run high in clinical situations, it can be helpful for everyone to take a break and come back together when feelings have cooled down.