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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

March 15, 2021 | 1 min read

How to talk with patients who are vaccine-hesitant (archives, 2021)

When speaking with patients reluctant to get vaccinated, listen to their concerns, and convey respect and empathy.

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 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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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 5, 2021 | 2 min read

Slowing Down at The Bedside

By Sanjana Mathur, MBBS, University of Central Florida

Physically examining your patient takes time and cannot be rushed. Having a methodical approach will help you make accurate assessments when examining patients.

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.

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. 

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.”

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 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.  

November 5, 2020 | 3 min read

Cultivating Compassion

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Compassion—acting on the desire to relieve suffering—is central to giving clinically excellent care to those in need.

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.

March 22, 2021 | 2 min read

Why I Care About The Costumes in “Little Women”

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We can build deeper relationships with our patients by talking with them about their passions—from Broadway to zinnias.

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 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.

October 8, 2019 | 4 min read

Can you hear me now?

By Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The onus may be on the clinically excellent doctor to overcome a the patient's disability that interferes with care. A pocket talker can make a big difference for patients with hearing impairment.

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. 

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. 

August 20, 2020 | 2 min read

2 Minutes of Presence

By Zara Latif, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

When talking with your patient, dedicate at least two minutes to pure listening. During that time, try to not think about the next question you want to ask and just hear your patient’s perspective.

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. 

April 19, 2021 | 2 min read

Let Your Patient Dream

By Zeina Moukarzel, MD, MPH, Beirut, Lebanon

From my young patient about to have all of her limbs amputated, I learned about compassion and courage.

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.

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.

October 7, 2019 | 2 min read

5 Tips for Effective Shared Decision-Making

By Mary Catherine Beach, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics

The clinically excellent physician practices effective shared decision-making with patients routinely. Select recommendations outlined include using decision aids, and establishing a relationship that is egalitarian and respectful.

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 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. 

August 5, 2020 | 2 min read

Discomfort as Your Internal Compass

By Preetha Hebbar, MPH, medical student, Medical University of South Carolina

There are situations that can make us feel uncomfortable when caring for patients. Acknowledging these feelings may result in deeper and more meaningful relationships with patients.

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.

March 29, 2024 | 4 min read

Using affirming language with LGBTQIA+ patients

By Christopher Clayton, MD, New York, New York, Lila Flavin, MD, New York, New York

To show respect for patients, consider asking them about their gender identity, sexual orientation, and preferred pronouns.

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 1, 2019 | 4 min read

Developing a Complete Culture of Interpretation

By April Lugo, Program Coordinator, Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Diversity and Inclusion

The clinically excellent clinician prioritizes training for themselves and their staff on the proper role of an interpreter. They work to empower interpreters to translate not only the patient's words, but also the patient's tone, cadence, and meaning.

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. 

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. 

July 17, 2020 | 1 min read

Person-Centered LGBTQ Care in the Pandemic Era

By Justin Fontenot, MSN, RN

Patient-centered care requires considering your patients’ wants and needs in their management. ALL patients deserve person-centered 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. 

February 11, 2021 | 6 min read

Checklists and Connections

By Neda Frayha, MD, University of Maryland

Take five minutes to connect with a patient with no medical agenda. You may be surprised by how much joy it brings both you and them.

May 11, 2023 | 1 min read

Life is a Rollercoaster

By Lucia Ponor, MD, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When my patient told me about how chemotherapy was affecting his family, I realized that sometimes we need to set aside medical facts and just listen. 

October 5, 2021 | 1 min read

The Sound of Silence

By Michelle Warncke, MBBS, MSc, North Carolina

Creating silent moments when talking with patients gives them time to process and the opportunity to share concerns that may not otherwise be spoken.

September 23, 2019 | 3 min read

How to Manage Chronic Pain and Opioids

By Ryan Graddy, MD, AbsoluteCARE Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Safe opioid stewardship is a key objective when managing chronic pain. Combining evidence-based strategies and compassionate care can help you to realize these goals.