October 24, 2022 | 1 min read

Wayfinding

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine, William Cohen, medical student, Penn Medicine

When a clinical visit begins to feel like being lost at sea, a simple inquiry about what a patient would most like to accomplish during their visit may help guide the encounter. 

January 14, 2021 | 2 min read

3 Strategies For Responding to Your Patient’s Experience of Loss

By Mollie Marr (she/her), MD/PhD student, Oregon Health & Science University

Even if you don’t fully understand your patient’s experience of loss, you can always listen, honor feelings, and show compassion.

September 6, 2023 | 3 min read

Getting Older in Medicine

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Both of my knees need to be replaced—I already can’t wait to get back to playing pickleball. I now have renewed empathy in the OR and remind patients: “Recovery will take time. Try to be patient.” 

December 12, 2019 | 2 min read

When to Consider Making a House Call

By Mattan Schuchman, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

House calls can offer insights and create opportunities that are not possible in the office. Go for it when you can!

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. 

October 20, 2022 | 2 min read

How I Comfort Patients

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We are sometimes unable to cure our patients. We can still make them feel heard and understood, and consider what it might be like to walk in their shoes.

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.

December 21, 2020 | 3 min read

Lessons From a Kitten

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

Pets can prompt reflection about what it means to be human. This may strengthen our connections with patients and improve care.

August 21, 2023 | 2 min read

DO you see me? CAN you see me? 

By Mandy Hill, DrPH, MPH, UTHealth Houston, McGovern Medical School

As a part of every patient encounter, I ask myself how I can ensure that they have a positive experience. This begins with recognizing the patient as a person. 

December 15, 2021 | 1 min read

The Power of Humor

By Jennifer Eitingon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My dying patient taught me that laughter can sometimes normalize difficult situations. Finding humor in the problem lightened the mood and allowed us to devise a care plan that preserved her dignity.  

December 5, 2019 | 2 min read

Peace—Music to Live

By Chris Dingman, vibraphonist and composer

Music with intention and sensitivity can be a powerful tool for helping the terminally ill—and others—cope with physical and emotional pain in order to find peace. Recommending this form of therapy to patients can be a valuable gift.

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.  

October 13, 2022 | 1 min read

Asking Hard Questions

By Thuy Ngo, DO, MEd, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In the ED, my adolescent patient shared that she was being sexually abused. It reminded me of the importance of creating a safe space for courageous conversations. 

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. 

December 14, 2020 | 2 min read

Lessons From a Zoom Thanksgiving Applied to Patient Care

By Ambereen Mehta, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Zoom made it possible for me to connect with many friends and family for Thanksgiving. Patient video visits that include family members from far away may enhance goals of care discussions.

July 10, 2023 | 3 min read

Dying With Peace And Joy 

By Lillie Shockney, RN, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Empowering your patient to be the ultimate decision maker about all things related to the end of their life is fulfilling and meaningful for both of you. 

December 1, 2021 | 1 min read

Building Bridges Between Visits

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Telling patients how to contact me with questions or concerns between visits improves communication and can positively impact health outcomes. 

March 14, 2018 | 2 min read

The Power of Acknowledging Feelings

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Recognizing and acknowledging feelings can diffuse a patient’s anxiety.

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.

October 11, 2022 | 6 min read

Learning About Your Patients And Their Communities

By Hailey Haffey, PhD, University of Utah

Receiving patient and community stories with thoughtful attention can help serve the aims of equity in healthcare. 

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. 

April 26, 2018 | 1 min read

Forming True Partnerships In Care: Listen To Your Patient

By Michael Crocetti, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Reflecting on caring for a 12-year-old with a complex neurological condition, I was humbled by the parents’ definition of clinically excellent patient care.

July 9, 2018 | <1 min read

On Clipping Nails

By William Greenough, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Making a moment for foot care creates an opportunity to bond with my patient and strengthen our relationship.

November 3, 2021 | 2 min read

Diagnosing And Treating Pain

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

Always listen to your patients and make sure that they understand that you believe their experience of pain.

March 13, 2018 | 2 min read

Reading Your Patient and Changing Your Plan

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We usually already have an agenda set when we see patients. However, we have to be ready to improvise by reading the patient, and be open to changing our plan.

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. 

October 6, 2022 | 2 min read

Repairing Trust

By Fiona Miller, medical student, UCSF, Pringl Miller, MD, San Francisco, California

Establishing rapport with each patient includes asking about previous experiences with the healthcare system. If there was a negative experience, understand that rebuilding trust may take time and commitment.  

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.

December 1, 2020 | 4 min read

When Patients Trust Only You

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Through empathic listening, all members of the healthcare team can build rapport with patients in their most vulnerable moments.

June 5, 2023 | 1 min read

Saying No With Compassion And Curiosity

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

When patients request something that is unsafe, be curious and explore their perspective before declining. This approach is collaborative and less stressful for both clinician and patient. 

November 1, 2021 | 1 min read

“Routine Visits”

By Eliana Perrin, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Taking the time to explicitly welcome new patients to your clinic may help them feel comfortable. This can dramatically influence their experience.

November 6, 2019 | 3 min read

Songs From Hospice

By J Lind, Dale Fellow and touring songwriter, Nashville, Tennesse

It's the details of the patient's story that transforms them into a person.

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.

September 28, 2022 | 1 min read

The Fist Bump

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My patient and her family showed me how to celebrate and enjoy each moment, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis. 

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. 

November 25, 2020 | 2 min read

Naming Chickens

By Claire Crawford, MSW, PhD, Texas Childrens

Incorporate laughter and joy where you can, giving yourself, your patients, and their families, moments of respite.

May 23, 2023 | 3 min read

“Both And”

By Jennifer Lycette, MD, rural oncologist in the Pacific Northwest

As the only oncologist in a small rural town, I must often care for patients who are also my friends.

October 30, 2019 | 13 min read

Partnering With Parents—An Appraisal of Familial Feelings

By Monique Webber

The clinically excellent clinician understands that each family responds to and copes with chronic illness or disability differently. Being open-minded when partnering with families, and especially parents, is critical for ensuring a trusting relationship and providing support.

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. 

September 19, 2022 | 1 min read

What I’ve Learned as an ESL Physician

By Ming-Hsien Wang, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Growing up with non-English speaking parents, I know first-hand the challenges that these patients face. Being able to communicate is imperative for connecting and creating effective treatment plans. 

September 15, 2020 | 3 min read

How to talk with patients about sexual health (archives, 2020)

By Matthew Hamill, MBChB, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Sexual health can be a sensitive topic to discuss. Asking open-ended questions and allowing time for your patient’s story to unfold can create a safe space for conversations about sexual health.

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.

November 18, 2020 | 1 min read

She’s Only 24

By Rakesh Patel, MD, University of Nottingham

Listening to patients’ fears and concerns builds understanding about the potential impact of disease on their long term goals. This may be especially important for younger patients.

May 17, 2023 | 2 min read

Art Cart

By Laura Castillo, pre-med, Johns Hopkins University

Arts and crafts in the hospital can provide simple joy to everyone. Sometimes a colored sheet of paper and a few well-placed folds go a long way. 

September 30, 2021 | 1 min read

The Cancer is Back

By Anonymous Physician, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I recently lost a young patient to cancer. I was reminded that even when we cannot cure our patient’s illness, we can always show empathy and compassion.

October 29, 2019 | 4 min read

Curiosity, Connection, and Comfort

By Margaret "Molly" Hayes, MD, Harvard Medical School

Curiosity is an essential part of our humanity and a foundation of the doctor-patient relationship. By remaining curious, we remain faithful to the words of Hippocrates: “Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.”

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.

August 25, 2022 | 3 min read

Hugs Are Medicine

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Showing genuine warmth is a compassionate way to comfort our patients. 

September 9, 2020 | 1 min read

We’re All in This Together

By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

With the added stress caused by the pandemic, make an extra effort to screen your patients for anxiety and depression. Empathizing about shared concerns may facilitate patient expression.