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C L O S L E R
Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative
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Creative Arts in Medicine
Connecting with Patients
Passion in the Medical Profession
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence
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February 16, 2024 | 1 min read

Patients and politics

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Patient-initiated political statements may make healthcare professionals feel uncomfortable. Thoughtful strategies, like redirection, can keep the focus on patient care.

December 21, 2021 | 4 min read

How to Make New Habits Stick, Part 2 

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We can build good habits in our own lives and help patients do the same by implementing the four laws of behavior change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. 

September 21, 2022 | 1 min read

Finding Passion, Purpose, and Meaning

By Carisa Parrish, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When experiencing burnout on the job, enjoying activities outside of work may lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction, until your passion for work returns. 

November 8, 2018 | 2 min read

How Maintaining Fitness Can Enhance Your Clinical Practice

By Mike Rucker, PhD, Active Wellness

Maintaining your fitness may prevent burnout, and can be viewed as a gift to yourself, your patients, and your clinical practice.

The courtyard within the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, Massachusetts. Photograph by Flora Smyth Zahra.

November 26, 2019 | 7 min read

October Art Museum Challenge

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

Students appreciate the opportunity to engage with one another in the sanctuary of an art museum; the setting itself fosters well-being.

January 23, 2025 | 1 min read

Only 13.9%?! 

By Edward Slipek, MD, St. Paul, Minnesota

Every patient encounter provides an opportunity to have a conversation about their physical activity levels—recognizing its profound impact on both mental and physical health outcomes. 

A Reversed Retrogress: Scene 1 (The Purple Shall Govern) (2013), Mary Sibande. Courtesy of the artist and Somerset House London. Photograph by Flora Smyth Zahra.

October 28, 2019 | 5 min read

September Art Museum Challenge

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

By providing a creative space in which healthcare professionals can build skills integral to clinical practice, while also expressing their vulnerabilities and humanity, art museum-based education can humanize healthcare and provide an antidote to burnout.

August 22, 2023 | 4 min read

HeART And Soul

By Jonathan McFarland, Medical Humanist, Autonomous University of Madrid & University of Pompeu Fabra

Incorporating the arts into patient care may be a step toward infusing compassion into what can be a dehumanizing healthcare environment. 

July 18, 2024 | 2 min read

The French secret 

By Alisha Dziarski, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians might consider recommending interactive recreational activities to some patients rather than non-specific exercise guidelines. These endeavors provide exercise, community, and social interaction all in one. 

July 26, 2023 | 3 min read

Small change = big impact (archives, 2023)

By Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ideally, healthcare professionals model healthy habits. In doing so, they can inspire others and influence the health of communities.

March 24, 2020 | 1 min read

Exercising for Wellness During the Pandemic

By Erica Leonard, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

With the drastic changes to our lives due to COVID-19, we can still stay active. Exercise during this challenging time can help improve everyone's emotional well-being and physical health.

"Untitled," by David Kopacz.

December 22, 2020 | 3 min read

The New “Normal” For Mental Health in 2021

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Let patients know that it’s ok to feel abnormal in abnormal times.

March 9, 2023 | 2 min read

Latticeworks

By Zaina Siraj, medical student, Albany Medical College

The more we learn and grow, the better we can understand ourselves, our patients, and our world. 

October 26, 2020 | 1 min read

8 Ways to Manage Election Stress

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mindfulness strategies can help clinicians and patients alike to ease election-related anxiety and promote positive mental health.

April 18, 2019 | 2 min read

The Importance of Rest

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Make time for rest in order to lead a good life! This includes not working around-the-clock, prioritizing both work and non-work activities equally, and using your vacation time!

November 30, 2023 | 1 min read

STD knows not your DOB (archives, 2023)

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Sex can be an important part of life in older age. My patient reminded me to address STD prevention and other intimacy concerns consistently in all sexually active adults. 

Brushing your teeth each morning and night can be a great time to practice being mindful - instead of checking your phone!

December 3, 2018 | 2 min read

Attitudinal Foundations of Mindfulness

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In mindfulness meditation, we are not trying to change anything. We are simply becoming aware of what is going on without judging it as good or bad. When we bring our awareness to the present moment, a natural by-product is often relaxation.

March 8, 2022 | 3 min read

Tips For Assessing The Intensity of Pain

By Brian Lee, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, David Madder, DO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When assessing pain, we often ask patients to assign it a number between 0 and 10. Asking about the effect of pain on behavior and functional status can often give us a more meaningful understanding. 

June 1, 2021 | 2 min read

The Lifelong Journey in Professional Identity Formation

By Margot Kelly-Hedrick, MD, University of Washington

We must work toward defining our identities throughout our careers as we strive to give excellent care to every patient.

February 4, 2025 | 2 min read

Sweet dreams 

By Molly Atwood, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By understanding the interplay of environmental factors, physiological responses, and cognitive habits, clinicians can help patients cultivate personalized routines that should result in more restful nights. 

July 14, 2020 | 5 min read

Top 10 Tips For Great Sleep During the Pandemic

By Logan Schneider, MD, Stanford Medicine

Great sleep is a foundation of health—both for healthcare professionals and our patients. Because sleep can be disturbed with the stress of the pandemic, it's important to commit to sleep-promoting habits and routines.

December 18, 2024 | 1 min read

Finding calm in a divided landscape 

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Vitriolic political discourse can affect patient well-being. Clinicians can acknowledge this and offer practical coping strategies.

June 18, 2018 | 7 min read

Treating Every Patient How I Would Want To Be Treated

By Mitchell Goldstein, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A pediatric emergency department physician shares his inspiring clinical mission and values statement.

"An Infinity Room Installation," Yayoi Kusama. Wikivisually.com. Public Domain.

December 19, 2019 | 5 min read

November Art Museum Challenge

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

The reality of clinical practice can be complex and uncertain and these sessions away from the clinics in and around the art museum space allow students through haptic exploration to become more comfortable with ambiguity.

August 30, 2021 | 3 min read

TIPPS For Reducing Patients’ Anxiety

By Elizabeth Steuber, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Helping patients engage in paced breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can be calming when they are feeling stressed.

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. 

January 3, 2023 | 3 min read

Having fun can change your life

By Mike Rucker, PhD, Active Wellness

Lack of time and minimal control of your schedule can be significant sources of burnout. Discover simple ways to reclaim your time and integrate pleasurable experiences.

February 8, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Improve Patient-Clinician Connections, Part 3

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

Starting each visit with a centering exercise focused on the patient may allow one to be fully present.    

September 18, 2023 | 3 min read

Do you “need” to say it that way? 

By Gina Piscitello, MD, MS, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Using the word “need” to describe a treatment option may mislead patients and loved ones into believing it should be pursued. Prioritizing patient values and preferences may help reduce this risk.  

July 30, 2024 | 3 min read

Unplug to recharge 

By Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When I engaged in a personal digital detox, I noticed my ability to focus on patients improved. Two ideas to try are setting screen-time limits and establishing tech-free zones. 

December 22, 2021 | 3 min read

Coping with grief during the holidays

By Ankita Sagar, MD, Brooklyn, New York

Having experienced my cousin’s death before Christmas reminds me that December isn’t a joyous time for everyone. I encourage those struggling to connect with loved ones and limit substance use. 

June 10, 2024 | 2 min read

Let’s talk about sex and aging 

By Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Open and inclusive questions during routine visits with older patients can improve their sexual health outcomes. 

November 24, 2021 | 4 min read

What I Learned When I Deleted my Social Media

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

When I stopped checking Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, I created a boundary between myself and the never-ending stream of noise and emotion. I now have more bandwidth to empathize with my patients’ feelings.

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. 

October 12, 2022 | 1 min read

Equity and Inclusion: Beyond The Recognition Phase

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

Increasing the diversity of minority clinicians is a first step in combatting racism in medicine. We must also ensure that curricula are free of stereotypes and bias. 

December 2, 2024 | 4 min read

An intriguing paradox 

By Ghida Kassir, MD, University of Toronto, Canada

Because anorexia is not uncommon, it is likely that we will all encounter a patient who is suffering from this life-threatening condition. Although it may be difficult to understand self-starvation, empathy and compassion must be prioritized to establish a trusting patient-clinician relationship. 

October 25, 2021 | 1 min read

Helping Patients Practice Healthy Habits

By Sajida Chaudry, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Imagining a healthier lifestyle is the first step toward wellness. You can then help patients to make small changes to their daily routine.

Dr. Wright's dog Lucy, out for a spring walk at the University of Virginia.

April 9, 2024 | 1 min read

Wagging tails and healing hearts 

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor, Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If you or your patients are thinking about getting a pet, full encouragement; life is better with animals around. Pets generally improve mental well-being by offering unconditional love, reducing stress, and providing a sense of purpose. 

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. 

January 7, 2021 | 4 min read

3 Steps to Develop Your Philosophy of Caring

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Identifying the principles that guide your care of patients will bring more meaning and purpose to your work. This can bring both you and your patients joy and fulfillment.

April 13, 2023 | 5 min read

Navigating Conversations About Psychedelics With Patients

By Natalie Gukasyan, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

There’s been growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. This requires that healthcare professionals be well informed and prepared to discuss this experimental therapy.

May 6, 2019 | 3 min read

When I Could not Hear my Patient

By Erin Snyder, MD, University of Alabama School of Medicine

Listening and understanding is what leads to true patient partnership, which is what is going to lead to true health.

January 5, 2021 | 5 min read

Seeing and Healing Social Isolation

By Katherine Otto Chebly, MD, New York University

Social isolation and loneliness are established risk factors for disease and early death. Routinely asking about patients about their social support system (or lack thereof) allows us to give more effective care.

June 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Harnessing Digital Technology for Clinical Excellence

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Digital technology can be leveraged for the greater good of clinically excellent patient care. Social media tools like Twitter enable you to connect with healthcare stakeholders from around the world.

untitled, by David Kopacz

July 21, 2022 | 7 min read

Building Cultures of Caring

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

We must care for ourselves to care for others. One great place to start is practicing self-compassion.

March 11, 2019 | 2 min read

Know Your Resources to Combat Burnout

By Anne Walsh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Burnout can feel overwhelming, but the first steps in approaching this growing problem are recognizing the symptoms and being aware of available resources to manage them.

March 14, 2024 | 3 min read

Why sexual orientation and gender identity in the EMR matters 

By Tyler Cornell, MSN/MPH, CRNP (she/her), Johns Hopkins Medicine  

Always ask patients about their gender identity, preferred name, pronouns, and how they define their sexual orientation. This builds trust and helps your patients feel safe to return for follow-up. 

August 11, 2025 | 5 min read

The push, the pull, and the leap 

Major career transitions can bring up complex emotions; reflection can guide you toward choices that honor your values. Embrace these changes as opportunities to rediscover purpose and help you better care for patients. 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

February 19, 2024 | 2 min read

Mitigating colon cancer in young patients

By Ekta Gupta, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

There's and increasing risk of colon cancer in younger patients. Clinicians need to be diligent in considering the possibility of colon cancer.

“We often jump to reassure, fix, and plan. If we can be still for a moment, we can remain present and let compassion guide our actions.”

December 8, 2020 | 3 min read

The Messy

By Cassie Ferguson, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin

Caring for children in the pediatric ED is both rewarding and exhausting. Cultivating compassion for patients and ourselves can help to sustain our practice and our well-being.

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