You searched for blood pressure - CLOSLER

July 9, 2026 | 3 min read

Hearts and minds

Psychological tools can help improve cardiovascular health. Consider starting patients with simple daily practices like gratitude journaling and mindful breathing alongside standard care.

June 10, 2021 | 3 min read

Why Perfectionism May Weaken Your Relationships With Patients

By Maureen Flood, NP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My perfectionist tendencies weakened my relationship with a patient. Being aware of and working to overcome this habit can be helpful for patients and take pressure off healthcare professionals.

Pregnancy loss ribbon.

July 7, 2025 | 5 min read

Hemorrhaging trust

Being a physician wasn’t enough for my symptoms to be taken seriously during a life-threatening miscarriage. It was a stark reminder that any patient—especially those without privilege—can be dangerously dismissed. Remember to acknowledge a patient’s distress and validate their experience.

March 18, 2026 | 2 min read

Connecting before correcting

When a patient chooses unproven or harmful remedies, first seek to understand why they did so rather than immediately address misinformation. Learning their reasons opens the way to discuss evidence-based treatments.

January 8, 2026 | 2 min read

“Who do you talk to?”

Ask who patients connect with regularly. If they’re not utilizing their social network, include social prescriptions in the care plan.

July 30, 2025 | 2 min read

Addiction’s wide net

A family member’s substance use can impact a patient’s health and ability to engage in their own care. Healthcare professionals can offer support by listening, validating, and sharing resources.

February 19, 2025 | 3 min read

Respecting boundaries

By Sarah Kim, medical student, Cooper University

Earning and maintaining patient trust can be accomplished through consistent check-ins to ensure they feel heard and understood. Equally important is clear communication related to all aspects of the physical examination.

September 26, 2023 | 2 min read

Talk Less, Listen More

By Aurora Grutman, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A conversation with a fentanyl overdose survivor taught me to listen with humble curiosity, and talk to patients thoughtfully with respect and sensitivity.

August 17, 2023 | 3 min read

The Hospital Playlist

By Kerry Devlin, MMT, LPMT, MT-BC (she/her), Johns Hopkins Medicine

Consider the hospital soundscape and how it may impact patients’ well-being. To create a more soothing stay, silence or turn down monitors if possible.

April 8, 2022 | 1 min read

“Better”

By Ben Roberts, CRNP, AGACNP-BC, ACHPN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Using precise language can help us partner with patients in hoping for the best, without causing confusion.

"While Ms. R's body seemed to work fine, her mind just didn’t cooperate. She felt like she was in a fog sitting at her desk staring at the computer screen."

February 10, 2021 | 2 min read

Supporting Patients Through Small Strokes

By Elisabeth Breese Marsh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Cognitive dysfunction is common after small strokes. Reassure your patient that symptoms will improve over time and that recovery may take several months.

November 17, 2025 | 4 min read

Filtering out the noise

Mindfulness is a clinical tool that allows you to be fully present during patient encounters. Practiced daily, it can improve focus and mitigate burnout.

March 11, 2025 | 4 min read

When sex isn’t binary

Providing exceptional care to intersex patients requires us to shed the outdated idea of sex as a binary. Instead, we should normalize diversity in sex presentation and encourage families to unconditionally love, support, and listen to their loved one.

March 13, 2023 | 2 min read

Hands

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Before entering medical school, paramedic school taught me how to comfort patients with a calm and reassuring touch.

November 10, 2021 | 5 min read

Reading Between The Lines

We don’t always say what we’re thinking, particularly in difficult conversations. Sharing and exploring unspoken thoughts can lead to stronger connections with our patients and better care.

January 28, 2021 | 3 min read

Purple Nail Polish

By Shauna Maty, MPH, Medical Student, St. George University

Always remember that your patient is a person with a family, friends, and a unique story. Your first responsibility as a healthcare professional is to heal your patient and your second is to learn.

"You Let Your Magic Tortoise Go," David Kopacz. Copyright with the artist.

August 27, 2020 | 3 min read

Finding Balance During Unbalanced Times

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Spending time “going into and opening our hearts” is healing and restorative. We can do this for ourselves as healers and guide patients through the practice. It’s as simple as slowing down, putting your hand on your heart, and taking three deep breaths.

Douala, Cameroon

February 3, 2026 | 1 min read

Lessons in healing from abroad

Working in Cameroon reminded me that poverty and stress can cause a range of symptoms. Listen deeply to the patient and screen for mental health conditions.

September 27, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Communicate Clearly About Medication Directions

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Always use simple language with patients when giving directions about how to take medication, and check for understanding.

May 21, 2020 | 1 min read

The Importance of Writing For Popular Media Outlets

By Koushik Kasanagottu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In this era of misinformation, we have a moral responsibility as physician-citizens to write for media outlets that our patients read. Sharing accurate health information with the general public can inform decision-making and improve health.

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.

January 10, 2019 | 3 min read

How to Improve Your Physical Diagnostic Skills With a Digital Database

By Samuel Durso, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To sharpen diagnostic skill, take a minute to cross check the physical exam against images and lab results in the electronic record - if not congruent, then why?

July 17, 2018 | 4 min read

Being a True Patient Advocate

By Deborah Freeland, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Sometimes being an advocate for your patient means fighting for a decision that you don’t fully agree with and respecting their decision; in so doing, you are fulfilling your duty to protect and honor patient autonomy.

August 4, 2022 | 2 min read

Processing The ICU Experience

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When my patient felt overwhelmed from an ICU stay, I realized what she needed most was to have her feelings validated after this near-death experience.

"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.

June 15, 2026 | 2 min read

Attending to instincts

Data may be misleading, and clinical judgement can be fallible. Clinicians need to trust their gut and seek objective confirmation when something seems amiss.

June 5, 2026 | 3 min read

Normalizing nonadherence

Many patients struggle to take their medications as prescribed. Asking "How often do you miss your medications?" instead of "Are you taking them every day?" helps clinicians uncover what's really happening.

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.

August 15, 2025 | 3 min read

Detained!!!

When a patient is held by law enforcement, quickly coordinate to send a medical necessity letter to ensure uninterrupted access to vital treatment. Immediate action may protect patient health and prevents avoidable complications.

September 6, 2018 | 2 min read

Intimate partner violence: How to start a conversation with patients and staff (archives, 2018)

By Michelle Patch, MSN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Preparing and coaching your healthcare team to have open, honest dialogues with patients about intimate partner violence is essential. Failure to screen and address this matter is dangerous, while doing so can save lives.

April 1, 2024 | 7 min read

Osler’s visit

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

“Every patient you see is a lesson in much more than the malady from which he suffers.”—Dr. William Osler

"I’ve relived that moment many times in my head. I wonder what I would have done differently today."

February 1, 2022 | 2 min read

Finding my Voice

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

As a trainee, a distressing clinical experience taught me that I must always be the patient’s advocate. Now as a teacher, I help my learners to feel confident speaking up for what they know is right.

January 26, 2022 | 1 min read

Talking With Older Patients About Winter Hazards

By Shaista Ahmed, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Be sure your geriatric patients are aware of winter hazards and provide guidance on how to avoid the risk of falls and hypothermia.

April 1, 2021 | 3 min read

April Fool’s Joke: The Text Message

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Don’t be a fool. IMHO, getting to know patients as individuals isn’t necessary. Is it rewarding? I’m ROFL.

January 20, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Repair Patient-Clinician Relationships

By Shara Nauth, MD, Western University, Ontario, Canada

To rebuild a patient-clinician relationship, apologize and acknowledge your patient’s feelings.

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.

April 30, 2020 | 4 min read

Letting go of Your Agenda

By Allison Chrestensen, MPH, OTR/L

Compassionate care requires that we trust our patients to guide us.

March 17, 2020 | 3 min read

Medicine is Like Poker

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In medicine, uncertainty abounds. Poker can teach us how to make smarter decisions when we don’t have all the facts.

March 2, 2020 | 3 min read

Universal trauma-informed care (archives, 2020)

By Sadie Elisseou, MD, Boston VA Health Care System

Understanding perpetrators of violence as potential trauma survivors can inspire empathy in clinicians and contribute to a universal, trauma-informed approach to patient care.

November 12, 2019 | 2 min read

The Early Bird Special

By Rebecca Hamburger, Medical Student, Central Michgan University College of Medicine

Timing is everything. Doing our best to optimize access to healthcare is a first step to serving our patients.

November 4, 2019 | 3 min read

Top Tips to Make the Best of Night Call

By Kittane "Vishnu" Vishnupriya, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working nights in healthcare is tough. Five tips highlighted in this piece are related to self-care, and the last one reminds us all to support our colleagues who are covering the night shift.

"Rinaldo and Armida," 1629, Anthony van Dyke. Public domain.

September 4, 2019 | 7 min read

From Frameside to Bedside: Pauses and Perspective

By Kamna Balhara, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The art of medicine must balance stillness and motion. Making time to reflect can infuse more meaning in our interactions with patients.

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.

June 2, 2026 | 3 min read

The “forms” of advocacy

While time consuming, the forms clinicians complete to help patients can improve their lives more than we might expect. Consider mentally reframing forms-completion as an act of patient advocacy.

December 5, 2025 | 2 min read

Backyard medicine

After my health crisis, spending time outdoors—identifying birdsong from my deck, hiking, and growing native plants—helped restore my health and mood. With patients, consider recommending regular walks in parks to reduce stress.

December 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Winter humbles the leaves

Balance diagnostic exhilaration with goals-of-care conversations centered on the values of the patient and family.

Central Park, New York City

November 24, 2025 | 3 min read

Nature Rx

For improved mood and lower stress, consider prescribing exposure to nature—urban parks and leafy sidewalks are free, accessible options. Try spending time there yourself, too.

July 31, 2025 | 3 min read

“What would you do?”

Beyond giving facts to patients, informed consent is an opportunity to understand patients’ truest concerns. Shared decision-making isn't just a conversation—it's about building a trusting relationship that empowers the patient.

May 29, 2025 | 2 min read

From code status to core values

Advanced care planning is more than just a conversation about code status. Engaging in a comprehensive discussion about what matters most to the patient should guide preferences for future care.

If a patient doesn’t appear to understand what you’re saying despite repeated efforts, ask how they learn best. Perhaps draw a diagram and/or use an analogy.

March 20, 2025 | 3 min read

Falling up

By Emily Ma, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The transition from pediatric to adult care poses significant challenges for patients with disabilities. Healthcare professionals can help by seeking to improve access and continuity of care.