May 18, 2021 | 2 min read

A Question That Transformed my Care of Patients

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

Asking patients, “What are you most worried about?” can bring to light unspoken concerns and allow fears to be addressed.

October 18, 2023 | 2 min read

Have you done this before?

By Scott Lifchez, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Listen for a patient’s anxiety when they ask questions about treatment. Addressing all concerns builds a trusting relationship and helps them better tolerate procedures that may initially be painful. 

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.”

February 10, 2022 | 1 min read

How to Express Empathy With Humility

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

To show we care, we can simply say something like, “I can’t imagine how hard this must be.”

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.

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.

December 7, 2022 | 4 min read

The Road to Aequanimitas

My medical training in the 80s and 90s taught me to be reserved and distant from patients. After many years in practice, I now know that they deserve a personal relationship with their doctor.  

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. 

May 11, 2021 | 1 min read

Empathy at The End of Life

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

At the end of life, clinicians who are present and listen compassionately may be entrusted with patients’ final wishes. Attempting to honor these requests is one way to serve.

October 12, 2023 | 1 min read

A Lesson Emphasized in Brazilian Medical Training

By Thiago Mendes, MD, University of Pittsburgh

In my medical training in Brazil, I learned to live by Theodore Roosevelt’s quotation, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." 

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.

February 9, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Improve Clinician-Patient Connections, Part 4

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

My “fast” thoughts about a patient may not truly represent their experience. “Slow” thinking may give a more accurate picture.  

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 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.

December 5, 2022 | 2 min read

The “List”

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Reviewing patients’ lists of concerns is an opportunity to build trust and partnership. It may also make visits more productive and satisfying for both patients and clinicians. 

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. 

May 10, 2021 | 2 min read

Bearing Witness

By Jennifer Caputo-Seidler, MD, University of South Florida

During the pandemic healthcare professionals have often been the only ones present with patients at the end of life. It’s ok if you struggle to find the right words—sitting with a patient so they're not alone is enough.

October 2, 2023 | 4 min read

Exclamation Points And Exhalations

By Ajibike Lapite, MD, MPHTM, Texas Childrens Hospital

Even when lab results are normal, some patients may still have concerns. Take time to address their fears and worries.

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.

February 8, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Improve Patient-Clinician Connections, Part 3

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

Starting each visit with a centering exercise focused on the patient may allow one to be fully present.    

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.

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.

November 15, 2022 | 1 min read

Will I lose my hair? (from the 2022 archives)

By Lauren Rissman, MD, Advocate Childrens Hospital

Talking with my young patient about his cancer, he shared being most afraid of going bald. I learned that it’s important to acknowledge and validate all worries, including those that are not life-threatening.

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. 

May 5, 2021 | 2 min read

Empathy Instead of Judgment

By Isaiah Crum, MD, University of Pittsburgh

Through the death of an infant patient, I was reminded of how integral being compassionate and non-judgmental is to clinical care.

September 28, 2023 | 1 min read

Out of Body 

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Even when clear and without excessive jargon, explanations of body processes can be confusing for some patients. Real world, non-medical analogies may be enlightening. 

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.

February 7, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Improve Clinician-Patient Connections, Part 2

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

I almost always run late in clinic. By having a growth mindset, I’ve reframed this as an opportunity to improve.  

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. 

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.

November 9, 2022 | 2 min read

Trust

By Joanne Shay, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

While caring for a four-year-old girl diagnosed with lymphoma, I learned that acknowledging and validating patient and family fears strengthens relationships.

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.

May 3, 2021 | 6 min read

Why we Must Learn About Our Patients’ Communities

By Daniel Thomas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Make time to learn about and invest in the community you serve to deepen your connection with patients.

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.

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.

January 19, 2022 | 2 min read

Cognitive Psychology And Patient-Clinician Connections

By Christine Ko, MD, Yale University

To foster warmth toward patients, first be aware of how you’re feeling. If you're feeling burned out, you can intentionally practice cultivating a more caring attitude. 

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. 

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.

November 2, 2022 | 2 min read

The Last Choice

By Ivy Akid, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Caring for a man dying of cancer reminded me to always guide patients toward decisions that best align with their goals of care. 

April 26, 2021 | 2 min read

Embrace Your Vulnerability

By Jennifer Huang, MD, Oregon Health & Science University

Sometimes sharing personal details about yourself helps forge a deeper connection with your patient.

September 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“That Guy”

By Maureen Flood, NP, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for a patient that pushes my buttons, I remind myself that they were once an innocent baby who was loved by someone. 

September 19, 2019 | 2 min read

The Importance of Partnering With Patients

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

What patients and families need is a clinician advocate who is available to listen, translate complex medical language, and support both the physical and mental health of the patient.

January 10, 2022 | 2 min read

Being Present During The Dying Process

By Shireen Heidari, MD, Stanford University

It’s the job of all clinicians to guide patients and their loved ones through the experience of death. Offering support and being present can help them navigate the end of life. 

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. 

June 11, 2020 | 2 min read

The Power of Accompaniment

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

When there are no further treatment options available, healthcare professionals can still compassionately accompany their patients until the very end.

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. 

March 29, 2021 | 2 min read

Validating Your Patient’s Experience of Chronic Pain

By Jocelyn Fitzgerald, MD, University of Pittsburgh

We must empathize with our patients who are suffering from chronic pain. Working with them to achieve a better quality of life may be a reasonable shared goal.

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.” 

September 10, 2019 | 1 min read

3 Reasons why Shared Decision-making Matters

By Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, PMRA Plastic Surgery

When patients and clinicians arrive at a treatment plan together, patients feel more involved, confident, and satisfied with their care.