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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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July 3, 2024 | 1 min read

More than fireworks

By Steve Kravet, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

The patient-doctor relationship is strengthened through conversation. In discussing holidays with patients, clinicians can sometimes gain valuable insights into patients’ physical, social, and emotional health. 

October 6, 2021 | 2 min read

Helping Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence During COVID

By Jennifer Knetig, PhD, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare, Kelly Buckholdt, PhD, Veterans Health Administration, Taylor Ceroni, PhD, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health

Intimate partner violence has increased during the pandemic. Clinicians must ask patients about their safety and know where to refer.

May 19, 2025 | 3 min read

The moral injury of divergent healthcare goals 

Moral injury can arise when there’s a tension between business goals and clinicians' mandate to serve patients. Encouraging transparency and commitment to reconverging these goals may improve understanding and lessen distress among hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, and patients.  

May 9, 2019 | 2 min read

Ending Conversion Therapy

By Carl G. Streed Jr., MD, MPH, Boston Medical Center

Speaking up to end conversion therapy is fulfilling one of our fundamental oaths: primum non nocere—first do no harm.

July 1, 2024 | 3 min read

The power of honesty

By Keshav Khanijow, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prioritizing clear communication with patients and using plain language to explain clinical information helps to build trust.

September 28, 2021 | 1 min read

Considerations When Talking With Patients About Cannabis

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The medical literature on cannabis use is not clear, making it difficult to know what to tell patients. Share both positives and negatives about using marijuana, and help your patient make the best care plan for them.

"Wheat Field with Cypresses," Vincent van Gogh, 1889. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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 20, 2024 | 2 min read

Don’t touch me 

While caring for a patient who was agitated, I witnessed the power of communicating gently and compassionately. In helping a patient to feel safe and respected, healthcare professionals can gain a more complete understanding of patients’ needs. 

September 7, 2021 | 1 min read

The Emotional Toll of The Ongoing Pandemic

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The pandemic is far from over—we are again faced with fears and uncertainties. It can be helpful to remind people to focus on what is in their control and to lean on their support systems.

October 10, 2022 | 3 min read

“What Else?”

By Matthew McEvoy, MD, Houston, Texas

Asking these simple two words and showing genuine concern can bring out a richer story and promote healing. 

May 15, 2019 | 3 min read

Prescribing Less Screen Time

By Mark Lewis, MD, Intermountain Medical Oncology, Murray, Utah

We need to turn our attention away from our screens and toward the people we serve.

September 16, 2020 | 1 min read

Music For Stress Reduction

By Chris Dingman, vibraphonist and composer

Spend time each day doing something you enjoy, like listening to music. Just a few minutes can help you remain balanced, avoid burnout, and give better care to patients.

May 5, 2025 | 3 min read

Pause. Process. Proceed.

To navigate the emotional aftermath of traumatic patient encounters, clinicians can utilize the ALL-CLEAR framework: Accept the event, Label emotions, Learn from it, take a moment to pause for breath, and CLEAR your mind. This may enable you to bring your whole self to the next patient while honoring your emotions. 

April 16, 2019 | 2 min read

4 Lessons From 12 Years as a Patient-Doctor

By Julia Michie Bruckner, MD, MPH, Children\'s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Our white coats are not shields; they could be traded in for a flimsy hospital gown at any moment. Keeping this in mind, we can think of how we want to be cared for when our time comes, and then give this level of care to others. We can honor our shared humanity and vulnerability in our practice.

August 12, 2021 | 1 min read

Beyond Language—Closing the Gaps 

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

Caring for a patient who didn’t speak English showed me that all patients can benefit from a compassionate facial expression, eye contact, and a soothing tone.

May 1, 2025 | 2 min read

Avoiding medical gaslighting 

Actively listen to and validate patients' experiences, recognizing their unique knowledge of themselves. Providing thoughtful support can earn patients' trust and help them feel better about their circumstances. 

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 28, 2024 | 3 min read

Catching Zzzs

By Kimberlee Parker, DO, MPH, Baylor College of Medicine

Many traditional practices, like pre-dawn pre-rounding, disrupt patient sleep. Prioritizing patient comfort can be a form of compassion and contribute to healing. 

August 9, 2021 | 4 min read

Hiding in Plain Sight: Just Ask, or You’ll Miss Most Eating Disorders

By Angela Guarda, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Although five percent of the population has a clinically significant eating disorder, most aren't detected because clinicians don’t ask. Simply asking,“What is the MOST you would be comfortable weighing?” can help identify a restrictive eating disorder.

April 9, 2025 | 2 min read

Feeling secure

Sometimes the most profound acts of care aren't medical interventions, but recognizing the simple comforts that anchor patients, like a cherished stuffed animal.

January 16, 2019 | 8 min read

An Ode to the Herculean Heart

"Heart: A History," elevates our appreciation of how our predecessors worked to better patient lives, as well as the psychosocial aspects of heart disease.

October 1, 2020 | 3 min read

3 Tips to Improve Your Body Language

By Adam Koenig, Medical Student, University of Toledo

To build a strong patient-clinician relationship, position your body with an open posture and make good eye contact.

August 10, 2021 | 2 min read

Cancer, Combat, And Patient-Centered Care

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While caring for a pregnant soldier diagnosed with cancer, I was reminded that learning patients’ stories is vital. Doing so facilitates patient-centered care and meaningful relationships.

July 11, 2022 | 5 min read

Navigating Power Relations in Healthcare

By Hailey Haffey, PhD, University of Utah

We must be aware of the power we have in relation to our patients. This imbalance must only be used in the service of care.   

A crowd organized by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee sang “We Shall Overcome” in Farmville, Virginia, in 1966, after a speech by Stokely Carmichael.

January 18, 2019 | 9 min read

From Clinic to Senate

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Advocacy does not have to mean changing legal precedents; it can also be taking a mentee out for coffee, giving feedback about your colleague’s stereotyping of a patient, or not patronizing restaurants with unfair wage practices.

September 3, 2020 | 3 min read

See Something, Say Something

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Being an ally for justice to patients and colleagues requires taking action. Doing or saying something, literally anything, when someone is mistreated is better than nothing.

August 4, 2021 | 1 min read

Best Practices When Working With an Interpreter

When caring for a patient with limited English proficiency, understand that you’ll need to collaborate effectively with an interpreter. Speak naturally in the first person and maintain eye contact with your patient, not the interpreter.

The new 2018 members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

June 12, 2018 | 6 min read

Transcending Quality In Pursuit of Clinical Excellence

By Jack Penner, MD

This is an excerpt of the keynote speech given by Jack Penner at the 2018 induction ceremony for the Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Penner will be entering residency in Internal Medicine at UCSF as a member of the UCPC Primary Care Track.

August 7, 2020 | 3 min read

How to Talk About Diversity With Minority Physicians

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

Before asking minority colleagues about discrimination, gain their consent first.

June 7, 2022 | 2 min read

“What’s Your Name Again?”

By Simone Lescott, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Those who are underrepresented in medicine experience increased discrimination. It’s important to speak up against micro and macro aggressions.   

November 12, 2018 | 3 min read

Insights From “A Whole New Mind”

Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind" highlights the importance of cultivating empathy, humor, and the ability to create meaning.

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.

November 27, 2019 | 4 min read

“Out of office” for real

By Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

Taking some time off for the holidays? Be a role model for your colleagues. Turn on a real out of office reply. You’ll never look back, I promise.

March 27, 2024 | 1 min read

Deepening connections: takeaways from David Brooks’ “How to Know a Person” 

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Healthcare professionals can enhance their connections with patients and coworkers by truly understanding others. Looking beyond the surface, cultivating empathy, and mastering the art of paying attention can help clinicians build deeper relationships. 

"Imperial Purple," by Spencer Finch. Photo copyright with the authors.

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 24, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Emotionally Support Patients Through Challenging Moments

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

When I was a med student, I tried to “fix” how my patient was feeling. I learned that many patients need time to sit with their feelings and that listening empathically can be the best approach.

February 13, 2024 | 3 min read

Unsent letters from a palliative care doctor to a patient and her dog 

By Lingsheng Li, MD, MHS, University of California, San Franscisco

Sometimes we never get the chance to tell a patient what we admire about them. After my patient died, I realized I’d been inspired by the inner strength she showed by caring for her dog despite health and life challenges. 

September 17, 2018 | 2 min read

Listening, Educating, and Giving Reassurance

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By focusing on one patient at a time, 35-40 per day, my mission and approach to patient care is to listen, to educate, to intervene with treatment when I can, and to provide reassurance.

January 29, 2024 | 2 min read

Life after grief 

By Jaime Jump, DO, Texas Childrens Hospital

I was invited to a baby shower for the sibling of a baby who had died in my care. Talking with the parents taught me that beyond sadness, there can be hope and joy.  

June 3, 2021 | 1 min read

Supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Patients

By Frederick Chen, MD, MPH, University of Washington

When caring for AAPI patients during a time of heightened racial violence and discrimination, ask them if they feel safe, supported, and what you can do to help.

"While cranberry products may help prevent UTIs in some people, they’re not a cure. If your patient suspects a UTI, encourage them to seek a medical evaluation for proper treatment."

February 3, 2025 | 3 min read

Debunking women’s health and menopause myths 

Women's health, especially menopause, is rife with misinformation. Addressing patients’ needs with empathy and evidence will help empower them to make choices in line with their goals for care. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

May 4, 2022 | 1 min read

Clinicians Who Need Mental Healthcare

By Eileen Barrett, MD, MPH

Clinicians give their best patient care when they are feeling well, both mentally and physically. Encourage colleagues to seek mental health care if they need it. 

March 2, 2018 | 4 min read

The Joy of Mentoring

By Ivor Berkowitz, MBBCh, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making time to mentor a high school student can be refreshing and rejuvenating for all clinicians.

April 2, 2018 | 2 min read

Being a Guide on the Journey to Health

By Manisha Loss, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

As a guide on this journey with our patients to health, we must serve as an example of hope, understanding, and direction.

April 27, 2021 | 2 min read

Lessons Learned From Cancer During COVID

By Catherine Ling, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Encourage and support patients to schedule preventative screenings delayed during the pandemic. These are critical to ensure your patients’ health.

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.

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