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C L O S L E R
Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative
The Journal of Hopkins' Center for Humanizing Medicine
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Creative arts in medicine
Connecting with patients
Passion in the medical profession
Lifelong learning in clinical excellence
Topic Search
June 23, 2021 | 6 min read

Aducanumab: The Clinical Wisdom of Being Conservative, Careful, And Transparent

By Constantine Lyketsos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians frequently face thorny ethical dilemmas when caring for patients. Take time to reflect on all components of these issues before discussions with patients.

May 19, 2026 | 2 min read

Do brain games really prevent dementia? 

Cognitive training works best as part of a multidomain approach that includes physical activity and social engagement. Rather than recommending brain-training apps alone, counsel patients to stay mentally active through enjoyable activities while prioritizing proven interventions like exercise and sleep. 

February 16, 2026 | 2 min read

Supporting all during cognitive decline 

Families facing a loved one’s cognitive decline need help planning for the future, including support to nurture their interpersonal relationships. 

Black piece of paper with word Ageism concept.

November 16, 2023 | 3 min read

How to be anti-ageist

By Timothy Farrell, MD, University of Utah Health

Ageism can impede clinicians from eliciting what matters most to older adults. Practical strategies to oppose such sentiment can be implemented across clinical, research, and policy realms. 

March 14, 2019 | 4 min read

How to Help Your Patient Understand Genetic Testing Results

By Leslie Ordal, MSc, CGC

To help your patient with their direct-to-consumer genetic testing results, use skills that apply for any sensitive clinical encounter: listen, acknowledge, and reassure of your presence in the process. Then connect your patient with a genetic counsellor for follow-up as needed.

July 5, 2022 | 2 min read

Dementia, Decisions, And Developing a Different Love 

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

We must be respectful and balanced when presenting medical options to a patient’s caregivers. 

The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville, Tennessee. Copyright by the author.

May 11, 2020 | 3 min read

Redefining Rounds—Will The Circle be Unbroken?

By Chase Webber, DO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

A patient care team performs best when all voices harmonize and creative approaches are applauded.

December 18, 2019 | 3 min read

Top 5 Coffee-Drinking Tips

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Many clinicians have a love affair with coffee. Moderation is the way to go.

"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.

November 7, 2018 | 3 min read

How to Reduce Caregiver Burden

By Jessica Colburn, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Healthcare providers have the ability to provide support, connection, and resources that can help to reduce caregiver burden and increase caregiver joy.

June 18, 2025 | 1 min read

Lewy-body diary 

This poem describes the profound loss of autonomy experienced by patients with dementia. It’s a call to truly see the person grappling with the reality of their diminishing faculties. 

December 7, 2021 | 3 min read

A Window Into a Patient’s World

By Deirdre Johnston, MBBCh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Visiting a patient’s home environment, either virtually or in person, may shed light on the source of their distress.

October 27, 2021 | 4 min read

Digital Media Addiction: It’s Complicated

By Natalie Gukasyan, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It’s tempting to resort to simple explanations for complex behaviors like digital media use. Deep relationships with patients can help you understand what’s behind the behavior. 

Photo of Colin. Copyright with the family.

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.

August 28, 2018 | 4 min read

6 things you need to know about geriatric psychiatry

By Susan Lehmann, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In older adults, as in younger people, poor mental health undermines general health, quality of life, and overall functioning. Given the dearth of specialty-trained geriatric psychiatrists and geriatricians, it is crucial for all clinicians to have skills in the diagnosis and management of common mental health conditions affecting older adults.

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