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. 

September 18, 2025 | 3 min read

Continuity in ADHD care

Life transitions, such as starting college, can be especially challenging for patients with ADHD. Ensuring continuity of care during these times is essential.

August 12, 2019 | 3 min read

Mental Illness and Mass Shootings

By Cassandra Crifasi, PhD, MPH, Emma Beth McGinty, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Most people with serious mental illness are never violent toward others. Due to the media’s misleading focus on the role of mental illness in gun violence generally and mass shootings specifically, many people are afraid that a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition like schizophrenia means they or their loved one are at high risk of hurting other people, which is not supported by the research evidence.

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.

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.

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.

February 28, 2018 | 3 min read

Sacred or Stigma? A New Realm of Expression

By David Efron, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

In 2018, do not resuscitate options are broad—distillation of the letters DNR do not provide enough guidance, and tattoos have yet to be validated as a definitive expression of this wish.

March 25, 2020 | 1 min read

Standing With Courage During Challenging Times

By Juliette Perzhinsky, MD, MSc, Central Michigan University

"The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where [s/he] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where [s/he] stands at times of challenge and controversy." -Martin Luther King Jr.

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.

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.

February 19, 2019 | 4 min read

On Feeling Helpless: A Psychiatrist Reflects on the Aftermath of a Patient Suicide

By Dinah Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

If you've been distressed by the loss of a patient to suicide, I hope my story will provide a moment of relief as you begin the process of healing; I hope that you may feel less alone.

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.   

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.

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. 

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.

September 15, 2025 | 6 min read

How to support LGBTQ+ patients

Amid increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, clinicians have an ethical duty to provide inclusive care. Read on for how to create welcoming environments in clinic and connect LGBTQ+ patients with appropriate resources. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

September 27, 2018 | <1 min read

Knowing the Patient as a Person in Precision Medicine

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We must consider each person’s life experiences – so-called Personomics – alongside the many “-omics” that are essential components of Precision Medicine. Personomonics contributes to how illness is expressed, and ideally how it should be diagnosed and treated.

March 18, 2020 | 2 min read

A nobel cause: an interview with Dr. Gregg Semenza

Mentors are invaluable. Whether pursuing excellence in research or clinical medicine, reach out to mentors so that you can grow efficiently.

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 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. 

March 19, 2019 | 3 min read

Reversing the Backslide: Sexually Transmitted Infections in the US

By Matthew Hamill, MBChB, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Open, non-judgmental, respectful, medically-relevant conversations need to be the cornerstone of all therapeutic relationships. As long as patients feel valued and at the center of their care, patients are willing to engage in discussions about sexually transmitted infections.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

August 5, 2019 | 2 min read

Training and Identity

What parts of yourself do you want to bring back into your life that you may have lost during residency?

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. 

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.”

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.

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.

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. 

February 27, 2019 | 2 min read

The Need for Diversity

By Tyler Mains, MD, University of California, San Francisco

Our future healthcare workforce must be as diverse as the communities it serves.

May 24, 2022 | 2 min read

The Reflexive Practitioner

By Corliss Wong, MS4, The University of Hong Kong

Our own biases and judgements inevitably affect our care of patients. Deep introspection can help us overcome our prejudices and improve clinical practice. 

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.

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.

August 26, 2021 | 1 min read

Destigmatizing Addiction: The Power of Words

By Namrata Walia, MD, Baylor College of Medicine

Please use the term 'person with substance use disorder’ instead of ‘addict’!

September 2, 2025 | 3 min read

Gambling with health 

Gambling disorder frequently goes unrecognized in clinical settings despite its significant impact on mental and physical health. Clinicians can routinely screen for it using validated tools and refer at-risk patients to resources. 

July 30, 2019 | 3 min read

Searching for Bicarb in July

By Camille Petri, MD, Mass General

To succeed in clinical practice, be humble and open to learning from all members of your team.

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. 

February 15, 2022 | 1 min read

The Free Throw Line and Mindful Practice

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Basketball players have a ritual followed by a pause before shooting a free throw. Clinicians can do likewise to be fully present for their next patient.     

September 18, 2018 | 3 min read

No Blushing! How to Talk About Sex With All Patients

By Helene Hedian, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Engaging in open, nonjudgmental discussions about patients’ sexual health provides an opportunity to assess risk, screen for sexual dysfunction, provide counseling, and offer appropriate vaccinations.

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.

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.