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.

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.

December 15, 2020 | 1 min read

Embracing the EMR

By Alice Rothchild, MD, Seattle, WA

The best gift we can give our patients is our undivided attention. Maintain eye contact with your patient if and when you’re typing in the electronic medical record during the encounter.

March 3, 2020 | 3 min read

The Power of the “Ordinary”

By Gaye Cunnane, MD, PhD, Trinity College Dublin

Excellent clinicians recognize that sometimes the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients comes in the most unexpected moments.

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. 

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. 

May 10, 2023 | 1 min read

Coming Back Later

By Tetsuyuki Kawai, medical student, Texas Tech

I learned from my patient with terminal lung cancer that it’s often helpful to give time to process bad news before making a medical plan together.  

September 21, 2021 | 7 min read

How are you . . . really?

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

A helpful practice to connect and understand your patient is to ask, "How are you doing . . . really?” If they’re hesitant to respond, consider sharing something you’ve found stressful lately to open the conversation.

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. 

November 4, 2020 | 3 min read

It’s All Relative

By Elisabeth Marsh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It's essential that we approach each patient with a fresh outlook. Bringing emotions, positive or negative, from a previous clinical interaction can adversely affect the next patient.

February 24, 2020 | 1 min read

“StoryCorps” Moments

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Taking the time to listen to patients' stories validates the humanity that is integral in the practice of medicine. It also can create meaning and bring joy within the patient-clinician dyad.

August 24, 2022 | 2 min read

Conversations with those who are vaccine-hesitant (archives, 2022)

By Joan Park, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Talking about vaccines with patients can sometimes feel challenging. Extending empathy, sharing your own story, and being honest about potential side effects can be helpful. 

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. 

May 9, 2023 | 3 min read

Interpreting Patients’ Goals

By Adela Wu, MD, Stanford Medicine

While caring for a patient who spoke a different language than I, the medical interpreter translated more than words. She also explained cultural differences that proved invaluable.

September 22, 2021 | 8 min read

The Role of Visual Thinking Strategies Coaching in Clinical Excellence

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Take an appreciative approach when giving feedback to learners. It will not only build clinical skills, but will also foster a healthy community of learning and practice.

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. 

September 30, 2020 | 2 min read

Perspective-taking Through Poetry

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Creative writing may enhance our ability to recognize and understand conflicting perspectives in order to better empathize with our patients.

February 10, 2020 | 2 min read

Engendering Trust in the Care Team

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Excellent clinicians help patients expand their circle of trust, beyond their favorite physician, to include more members of the healthcare team.

August 23, 2022 | 1 min read

Supporting Patients When Their Previous Physician Has Left The Practice 

By Carol Bernstein, MD, Montefiore Medical Center, Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Thoughtful communication with new patients whose longtime clinicians have recently left positions can reduce stress and help develop rapport. 

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. 

May 8, 2023 | 1 min read

“How are you?”

By Rheanna Platt, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When asking patients and others how they are doing post-pandemic, consider opening with, “I know the transition back to ‘normal’ hasn’t been easy for everyone.” Then leave time for responses other than “fine.”  

September 14, 2021 | 3 min read

The Healing Power of Music

By Brian Garibaldi, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Connecting with a patient around a shared interest can be mutually fulfilling. For me, my guitar helps me to be present and give excellent care to patients.

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. 

February 5, 2020 | 2 min read

A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words

By Rafael Llinas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The clinically excellent physician knows that sometimes talking isn't enough. When possible, sharing information with patients visually can enhance their understanding.

August 17, 2022 | 2 min read

Listening to The How Can Reveal The Why

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine, Meshulam Twerski, medical student, Penn Medicine

The way patients express their reluctance to pursue screening can help uncover truths that guide meaningful conversations and build trust.   

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. 

May 4, 2023 | 2 min read

The Power of Stories

By Flora Kisuule, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A recent grand rounds by Dr. Kimberly Manning illuminated how stories give meaning to why we do what we do.

August 31, 2021 | 1 min read

Finding Common Ground

By Faisal Nawaz, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE

Connecting with patients through shared interests or hobbies can help to strengthen and deepen relationships. For many, this adds to the joy of medicine.

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. 

February 6, 2020 | 2 min read

Navigating Masculinity in Medicine

By Kultaj Kaleka, MD, RN, Central Michigan University

The clinically excellent physician understands that male patients may need support sharing their perspectives.

August 11, 2022 | 2 min read

A Mother’s Death

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Including a patient’s words in your empathic response is affirming and creates connection.

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. 

June 21, 2021 | 2 min read

Seen But Not Heard

By Nick Sawyer, MD, MBA, University of California, Davis

Some patients sense that their stories aren’t appreciated. Taking the time to sit and listen to patients can build trust and begin to restore their faith in the healthcare system.

April 27, 2023 | 1 min read

Love Lessons

By Jennifer Plotkin, MD, Los Angeles VA

I was afraid to connect on a deep level with my patients, concerned that my heart would overpower my head. Such relationships are what make practicing medicine meaningful. 

April 18, 2019 | 1 min read

Patients Are Partners, Not Consumers

By Hala Durrah, MTA, Patient Family Engagement Advocate & Consultant, Washington, DC

My hope is that physicians, patients, and families, consider each other as partners, with mutual respect, trust, compassion, understanding, and empathy guiding and facilitating interactions and relationships.

May 23, 2018 | 2 min read

Identity: Knowing How Our Patients Describe Themselves Matters

The complexity of identity is what makes “getting to know your patient” important, and allows for deeper cultural engagement, exchange, understanding, and, ultimately, helps us to create a culturally competent health plan with our patients.

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. 

January 29, 2020 | 2 min read

How to Give Patients Presence

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

Leaving your own worries at the door, sitting at eye level, and listening attentively are three important ways to connect meaningfully with your patients.

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. 

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. 

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.

April 12, 2023 | 1 min read

Still Working After All These Years

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When I empathized with my older patient about the hardships of colon cancer, she began sharing many of the good things in her life, like still being able to work. 

May 6, 2019 | 3 min read

When I Could not Hear my Patient

By Erin Snyder, MD, University of Alabama School of Medicine

Listening and understanding is what leads to true patient partnership, which is what is going to lead to true health.

February 28, 2024 | 1 min read

Socks and ties (archives, 2024)

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. 

January 13, 2020 | 4 min read

You are my Sunshine

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

The clinically excellent clinician understands that what we say and do may matter more than what we know.

July 25, 2022 | 2 min read

Think Positive!

By Joan Naidorf, DO

Reframing negative thoughts about my inebriated patient would have helped me to care for him with more compassion.    

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 9, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Support Patients When Transitioning Back to “Normal”

As we move through phases of the pandemic, understanding patients’ goals and asking about their worries is paramount.

April 5, 2023 | 2 min read

Big “S” And Not Much “OAP” 

By Emily Rodriguez, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I could offer no medicine, but I was able to give my patient the best treatment possible just by listening and validating.