August 18, 2020 | 2 min read

Zebras Are Out There

By Eric Last, DO, Northwell Health, Wantagh, New York

Looking at the big picture and verifying details will help you consider diagnoses that may be unlikely, but still possible.

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. 

May 9, 2018 | 2 min read

Applying the Coaching Model to Medical Education

By Ryan Graddy, MD, AbsoluteCARE Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Coaching—direct observation of learners with feedback geared toward skills development—is an important way to teach individualized medical education. Outstanding coaches across disciplines share characteristics that can be applied in clinical coaching encounters.

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. 

June 18, 2019 | 2 min read

Navigating the Uncertain: A Book Review of “The Laws of Medicine”

Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, provides a framework to reconcile the uncertainties we constantly experience in our practice of medicine in his book, "The Laws of Medicine."

June 22, 2022 | 1 min read

Explaining The Risks of Vaping

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.

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.  

November 25, 2025 | 2 min read

Be the other someone in the near-empty room

For patients without family present, pause to say, “I’m here with you.” Offer chaplaincy, social work, and volunteers to accompany dying patients in their final moments. 

March 27, 2018 | 2 min read

12 Things I Wish I’d Known 50 Years Ago

By Randy Barker, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, retired

Twelve things I would tell my younger self—all the things I didn’t know then, but wish I had.

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. 

January 14, 2019 | 2 min read

We’re Getting CLOSLER to the Super Bowl!

By Wilma Ferthler, MD, Rural Country Doctor, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Football-inspired clinical pearls from Vermont family physician Dr. Wilma Ferthler teach us how to be better clinicians.

February 2, 2022 | 1 min read

Lessons in Leadership During Adversity

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In difficult times, it’s helpful to understand others’ fears and concerns. Communicating clearly and regularly with those we serve is essential.

August 17, 2020 | 1 min read

Top Tips For Starting a New Phase in Your Career

By Christle Nwora, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making time to care for yourself, asking questions, and letting go of perfection can help you successfully navigate a new chapter in your life.

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.

April 13, 2021 | 2 min read

Patient as Educator

By David Reid, Co-Director, Dare Dementia, England

From my patient with dementia, I learned that patients are experts on the lived experience of their illness. We must value and acknowledge their insights and be open to learning from them.

June 6, 2019 | 7 min read

May Art Museum Challenge

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

The art museum is a space that has lessons to teach about clinical excellence, and fosters both the personal development and professional identity formation of clinicians.

June 13, 2022 | 2 min read

3 Tips from the ED For All Healthcare Professionals

By Rodney Omron, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sharing appreciations with colleagues and learners is your superpower. Use it. 

November 20, 2023 | 1 min read

A surgical sojourn in China

By Hanghang Wang, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Engaging with healthcare professionals in other countries represents an invaluable learning opportunity. My clinician colleagues in Nanjing helped me to appreciate the value of teamwork across cultures. 

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. 

August 18, 2021 | 2 min read

Helping Students Transition to Wards

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I was nervous taking care of my first patient as a student on the medical wards. I felt more comfortable when I realized that even experienced clinicians don’t know everything, and of course they did not expect me to have all the answers.

January 27, 2020 | 3 min read

Ethical Dilemmas in Dementia Care Design

By Diana Anderson, MD, MArch, Clincial Geriatrics Fellow, University of California, San Francisco

Innovative dementia care designs raise moral questions about whether deception of patients is ever ethical. The clinically excellent physician tries to avoid deception at all costs.

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.

March 18, 2019 | 2 min read

The Truth About Sex

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

How you phrase questions when obtaining a sexual history can mitigate the impact of social desirability bias and enhance the accuracy of the information that is obtained.

February 3, 2022 | 2 min read

Perspective Matters

By Souvik Chatterjee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

As the pandemic continues, I remind myself that my job is to give selflessly to those who are sick. It’s helpful to lean on my team when situations feel especially challenging.

August 10, 2020 | 2 min read

Debriefing after death (archives, 2020)

By Christopher Bennett, MD, Stanford University

Reflecting on a patient's death as a team provides an opportunity to process emotions and strengthen team dynamics.

May 18, 2023 | 2 min read

Ballet And Medicine

By Maria Guinle, medical student, Stanford Medicine

Medicine is similar to dancing. Learning from mistakes and working as part of a team are necessary for success. 

February 18, 2021 | 2 min read

Art is Integral to Healthcare

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

Engaging with art can address some of medicine’s greatest challenges, including recognizing our common humanity.

December 12, 2024 | 3 min read

Home testing: a new era in sexual health      

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

At-home sexually transmitted illness (STI) testing allows easier patient access. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to talk with patients about the limitations of these tests and discuss when follow-up care is needed.  

June 13, 2022 | 3 min read

On Wondering

By Crystal Favorito, pre-med, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To wonder is to acknowledge possibility and open the door for progress. As a pre-med, it will help me become a lifelong learner on my professional journey. 

October 19, 2023 | 2 min read

Healthcare for every body

By Stephanie Pham Van, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To make healthcare more welcoming, be sensitive to how patients prefer to be described. Also, find out what tools they might need to access information, for example, voice to text transcriptions. 

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! 

August 23, 2021 | 1 min read

The Boomerang of Disparaging Remarks

By Harisa Spahic, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University

Negative remarks about other specialities can discourage students from pursuing these fields. Instead, focus on sharing the positive aspects of your discipline.

January 15, 2020 | 1 min read

Extra Minutes

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

Every extra minute a clinician spends with a patient is worth it.

September 13, 2022 | 2 min read

Psychedelics and Health

By Mary Yaden, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Psychedelic therapies have long been feared and avoided. We must acknowledge that there are clinical indications where these treatments are profoundly beneficial.   

May 16, 2024 | 2 min read

Two coats in one small room: caring for another clinician 

Caring for another clinician is complicated and requires special thoughtfulness; false assumptions about what the “clinician-patient” understands may result in suboptimal care.    

January 31, 2022 | 2 min read

Lessons in Medicine From Running a Marathon

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

As a trainee who also competes in races, I’ve learned the importance of leaning on others to reach the finish line.  

August 3, 2020 | 1 min read

Book Review of “Elderhood”

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

Ageism is a form of discrimination that contributes to poor health outcomes. To mitigate its effects, we must enact policies that address biases in ourselves, our workplaces, and our communities.

May 2, 2023 | 2 min read

Treating all patients with compassion (archives, 2023)

By Keisha Ray, PhD, McGovern Medical School

Physician bias is one driver of poor health outcomes among Black patients. A commitment to compassion and active listening can combat this trend. 

March 16, 2021 | 3 min read

Best Practices in Shared Decision-Making

By Kevin Frick, PhD, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Giving exceptional care includes honoring your patient’s goals and addressing any challenges they might have with the care plan. Be mindful of the financial costs that your patients may face and discuss alternatives when possible.

December 10, 2024 | 1 min read

A breath of fresh air

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals can prioritize ongoing conversations about the risks of smoking and vaping with young patients, tailoring their approach to address specific concerns and misconceptions.

October 17, 2023 | 1 min read

Partnering With Pharmacists in Ambulatory Care

By Heather Folz, PharmD, Notre Dame of Maryland University

Clinicians and pharmacists can work together to give holistic and comprehensive patient care. This requires understanding each other’s expertise. 

November 10, 2025 | 1 min read

Takeaways from the book “Bankroll your mind”  

Attention invested in small moments—like a few screen‑free minutes at the start of a patient encounter—can compound into a trusting patient-clinician relationship. 

August 16, 2021 | 3 min read

The Heart of Clinical Reasoning

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

Making a diagnostic error reminded me that connecting with patients on a personal level is necessary for optimal clinical reasoning.

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.

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.   

May 14, 2024 | 1 min read

ED overcrowding: every clinician can help

By Catherine Washburn, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Collaboration between healthcare professionals across the hospital is crucial to reduce ED overcrowding and improve patient care. One thing clinicians can do is help patients leave the hospital as soon as they are ready. 

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.

April 11, 2018 | 3 min read

Five Tips to Support Your Grieving Patient

By Jane Schindler, LCSW-C ACHP-SW, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A licensed clinical social worker offers her top tips for supporting grieving patients.