September 13, 2018 | 2 min read

The Core of Compassionate Care

By Ayelet Kuper, MD, University of Toronto

When I have trouble bringing my focus back to the patient, I remind myself that this patient was once a baby that someone held as I have held my own babies.

January 6, 2026 | 2 min read

The sacred art of care 

Let compassion guide your words and touch in every encounter. Kindness and empathy earn trust while facilitating patients’ healing. 

December 16, 2025 | 1 min read

Check box vs. check-in  

Medical visits today often involve care gap inquiries. The way we ask patients about them can help transform a rote task into a curious and satisfying conversation. 

December 10, 2025 | 2 min read

Beyond the signature 

Informed consent includes a patient-centered conversation grounded in their goals, not just a list of risks. Ask what matters most and address any concerns that arise. 

March 1, 2018 | 2 min read

Individualized Medicine Calls Me Back to Patient Stories

By Tom Laskow, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

New thinking mirrors old wisdom: to understand this manifestation of disease, understand this patient.

September 4, 2018 | 1 min read

7 Tips for Working With an Interpreter

By Stephanie Nothelle, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Pause often, ask one question at a time, and avoid idioms when speaking through an interpreter.

October 31, 2025 | 2 min read

Starting over 

Approach each patient encounter with humility and curiosity. If you misstep, apologize and invite a reset to restore trust. 

October 29, 2025 | 2 min read

The long way home 

As my patient’s symptoms eased, our conversations evolved from medical check-ins to life planning. Including patient-defined milestones—like “safe to fly”—in the treatment plan makes healthcare more meaningful for both patients and clinicians. 

September 29, 2025 | 1 min read

The healing pause

To connect with patients, sit at eye level, offer calm reassurance, and listen. Patients feel your steadiness before any test—presence is often the strongest initial intervention.

September 22, 2025 | 1 min read

Touchdowns, “trash talk,” and treatment 

Conversing about sports with patients and colleagues, even if you cheer for rival teams, can be a light and fun way to build connections. 

September 16, 2025 | 2 min read

Lessons from quiet care

True bedside presence isn’t about answers or interventions; it’s about recognizing when silence, observation, and steadfast company are the most meaningful forms of patient care.

August 28, 2025 | 3 min read

Listening for faith

Inquiring about patients’ spiritual lives can help us deliver more compassionate, holistic care. Noting the diversity of religiosity can help us to respect the outlook and perspectives of all patients. 

August 27, 2025 | 2 min read

“Did you have the baby?” 

Self-disclosure by the clinician had long been discouraged in medical training. Often, it can significantly enhance the patient-doctor relationship. 

August 26, 2025 | 2 min read

A cultural safety-centric approach 

Ask patients, especially those who have been historically marginalized, if they feel safe, heard, and respected.  Take time to learn about their background and healing practices to deepen trust and improve health outcomes. 

August 6, 2025 | 1 min read

A better way to care 

A patient’s anger showed me I needed to recognize his suffering and not simply offer a diagnosis. True care means moving beyond technical skill to connect with the whole person. 

July 14, 2025 | 2 min read

Patient-directed discharge  

When a patient decides to leave the hospital earlier than advocated for by the medical team, many factors may drive their decision. Understanding their perspective and partnering on care plans can help them feel safe to stay and complete treatment. 

July 2, 2025 | 2 min read

Lead with listening   

When a patient’s fears and misinformation create barriers to care, start with listening and validating concerns rather than beginning with facts. Shifting the conversation to what matters to them builds trust and can open the door to effective treatment. 

July 1, 2025 | 3 min read

Dancing back to himself 

Caring for patients with delirium requires coordinated medical management—like early mobilization, minimizing sedation, and consistent re-orientation. Integrating familiar activities, like listening to music, may aid their recovery. 

February 26, 2018 | 3 min read

Creating a welcoming experience for LGBTQ patients and families

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

Doing what has been done before will only lead to more of the same for patients who have been discriminated against in society and in healthcare. Be prepared to enter uncharted territory, seek to educate yourself about the unique healthcare needs of your patients.

June 11, 2025 | 1 min read

What questions do you have?  

New medical information can be hard for patients to process, especially if it is bad news. Taking time to assess the impact of newly delivered information is an important step in clinical conversations. 

June 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Letting the tea leaves breathe 

Kind gestures, like bringing a patient a cup of tea, may help bridge the gap between suffering and solace. Such thoughtfulness can offer comfort as powerful as any medication. 

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. 

April 29, 2025 | 2 min read

Soul gym

Our culture frequently celebrates physical strength. In healthcare, the power of emotional fortitude is regularly called upon when encountering patients’ frustration or anger. 

April 16, 2025 | 1 min read

Shared decision making 2.0

We need a new shared decision-making paradigm where all possibilities for care are out on the table, including unconventional ones. A clinician’s humility and openness are especially important now that patients are more emboldened to question the opinions of experts.

April 7, 2025 | 2 min read

The connective cure 

By Allison Pugh, PhD, Johns Hopkins Univeristy

The art of genuine human interaction is a vital clinical skill that no algorithm can replicate. This building of connection can foster trust, enable healing, and facilitate holistic care. 

March 13, 2025 | 1 min read

Wearing many hats 

By Jessica Park, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sharing parts of your identity, for example being a parent, may help you to connect with patients on a deeper level. Shared humanity can create a deeper relationship, which is essential for trust and service. 

March 3, 2025 | 2 min read

The power of small gestures

Actions speak louder than words. Small gestures like listening closely to patients, getting tissues, adjusting the lights, and helping them get comfortable in bed is part of giving holistic care.

February 28, 2018 | 4 min read

Asking patients about adverse childhood experiences (archives, 2018)

By Brent Beasley, MD, University of Oklahoma

Ask. It's scary. But ask anyway.

February 24, 2025 | 2 min read

Listening to find answers 

By Michael Albert, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To more accurately arrive at the diagnosis, it is generally wise to believe patients’ recounting of their symptoms and experiences. This can result in uncovering medical conditions that are sometimes labeled as being more generalized—like anxiety—and lead to improved patient outcomes.

August 14, 2018 | 3 min read

Seeing Your Patients Through New Perspectives

By Patrick Hemming, MD, Duke University

We can enhance our patient care if we incorporate the perspectives of life story and behavior.

August 14, 2018 | 2 min read

Have Guitar – Will Travel

By David Shih Wu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Consider how you might use your creative gifts—and your imagination—to connect more deeply with your patients and bring them joy.

December 23, 2024 | 1 min read

Beyond the Grinch’s grump 

By Heather Agee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Patients exhibiting "Grinch-like" behaviors may be masking underlying trauma and vulnerability. Try an empathetic "Cindy Lou" approach to foster trust and facilitate healing. 

November 21, 2024 | 2 min read

Building bridges with patients through writing

By Roshni Beeharry, MBBS, University College London

Reflective journaling can be used to help us step into our patient’s shoes to understand their unique challenges. Consider experimenting with this and other forms of writing.

October 22, 2024 | 4 min read

Note to self: “Sit down and shut up” 

By William Ravekes, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sitting down demonstrates presence and creates a sense of equality in the interaction. Together with active listening and avoiding interruptions, this fosters trust and rapport. 

October 9, 2024 | 2 min read

Softening the “SPIKES” 

When delivering challenging news, it is crucial to tailor the communication to the patient's preferences. Break down the message into small, spaced-out segments to allow for gradual processing. 

September 12, 2024 | 2 min read

Validating feelings 

I cared for a patient who had been rejected from a rehab facility because of her weight. I was reminded of the importance of acknowledging the patient’s emotions as part of the care plan. 

September 11, 2024 | 1 min read

Would you like to share a photo?  

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Asking patients to show photos of family, pets, or other meaningful things can help them feel more thoroughly known and cared for. This can sometimes make a visit more productive and meaningful for everyone. 

August 8, 2024 | 2 min read

Unspoken  

From my experience working on an inpatient psychiatry unit, I learned to look for hidden messages in the patient’s story and explore these with curiosity. Sometimes a patient’s cry for help is cloaked in other behaviors.  

August 7, 2024 | 2 min read

Listen, understand, empower 

Soliciting diverse perspectives and considering unexpected etiologies can improve diagnostic accuracy. Answers to clinical puzzles may be rooted in cultural and geographic specificities.

July 22, 2024 | 1 min read

The third guest—ambiguity

By Javier Rascon, MD, Mallorca, Spain

Before a specific diagnosis has been established, clear communication is paramount. Use of metaphors, reviewing what is known so far, and encouraging questions builds trust and reduces patient fear. 

July 17, 2024 | 1 min read

Building bridges

Some patients have strong preferences that may not align with best practices of care. Empathy, active listening, and kindness can build trust and guide patients toward making informed medical decisions.

June 17, 2024 | 2 min read

Beyond superficiality

By Eric Last, DO, Northwell Health, Wantagh, New York

A few minutes genuinely listening to a patient's story can make a world of difference. It can foster authentic connections and translate into enhanced trust. 

June 5, 2024 | 2 min read

Near death

By Aurora Grutman, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Overcoming anxiety about the end of life allows one to explore concerns with empathy and openness. A willingness to learn about patients’ spiritual beliefs can help clinicians provide compassionate and holistic care.

May 22, 2024 | 1 min read

Why the well visit? 

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

There is often a reason for an office visit beyond just “well-check.” It can be challenging and rewarding to skillfully create space for concerns to come out. 

April 29, 2024 | 3 min read

A patient’s reflection on connecting with clinicians—what matters most 

By Jennifer Ball, BSJ, MA, Chicago, IL

Empathy and cultural competence are cornerstones of excellent patient care. Prioritizing these values can help each patient feel respected, empowered, and supported. 

April 18, 2024 | 1 min read

Anger: a sign of trauma

By Lucia Ponor, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals can move beyond simply treating the physical condition by creating a safe space for patients to share traumatic experiences. 

April 10, 2024 | 1 min read

Toxic positivity

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A stage 4 cancer patient taught me how constant encouragement can be emotionally draining for someone facing their mortality. Presence, love, and understanding may be better received. 

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. 

February 28, 2024 | 1 min read

Socks and ties

By Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Something as simple as wearing a unique article of clothing, like colorful socks, can help build connections with patients. 

February 27, 2024 | 1 min read

Anybody but the Chiefs

By Benjamin Vipler, MD, MEd, University of Colorado

Was Osler a sports fan? I don’t know, but I do know that connecting over a shared love of sports has helped me be “closler” to my patients. Maybe it can for you too!