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C L O S L E R
Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative
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Creative Arts In Medicine
Connecting with Patients
Passion in the Medical Profession
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence
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August 26, 2020 | 6 min read

How to Discuss Minority Stress With Patients

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

If your patient identifies as part of a minority group, it could be helpful to ask if they’ve experienced stress because of this. Doing so may allow you to better understand your patient’s story.

September 29, 2020 | 4 min read

Respecting All Patients

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

Using your patient’s correct pronoun at all times is critical to supporting their mental well-being.

October 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Rethinking the Routine in the Pursuit of Inclusion

Interprofessional team members bring a rich variety of perspectives about patients that can lead to better whole person care. Using first names among our team helps minimize power differentials.

July 19, 2021 | 3 min read

Diversifying The Clinician Workforce

By Pringl Miller, MD, San Francisco, California

Diversifying the clinician workforce is associated with improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. So, what are we waiting for?

March 30, 2022 | 3 min read

Mitigating Maternal Mortality

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

A more diverse clinical workforce brings greater variety of perspectives in patient care which may improve clinical outcomes. 

MERIT Health Leadership Academy students, Baltimore, Maryland, author's photo.

February 27, 2019 | 2 min read

The Need for Diversity

By Tyler Mains, MD, University of California, San Francisco

Our future healthcare workforce must be as diverse as the communities it serves.

September 21, 2020 | 4 min read

Full-Body Under White Coat

By Kayla Eboreime, Medical Student, University of Texas Medical Branch

To increase the comfort level of all patients, it’s imperative to weigh people privately. Displaying inclusive images on our walls and avoiding stigmatizing language is essential to make all patients feel welcome.

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.

August 7, 2020 | 3 min read

How to Talk About Diversity With Minority Physicians

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

Before asking minority colleagues about discrimination, gain their consent first.

November 9, 2021 | 3 min read

Giving Exceptional Care Without Exception

A one-liner works in comedy but leads to biases in medicine. Listening, getting to know, and learning from each patient will allow you to serve them best.

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.

February 16, 2021 | 4 min read

Using Affirming Language With LGBTQIA+ Patients

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

As a way to demonstrate respect for patients, consider asking them about their gender identity, sexual orientation, and preferred pronouns.

September 18, 2018 | 3 min read

No Blushing! How to Talk About Sex With All Patients

By Helene Hedian, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Engaging in open, nonjudgmental discussions about patients’ sexual health provides an opportunity to assess risk, screen for sexual dysfunction, provide counseling, and offer appropriate vaccinations.

April 28, 2022 | 2 min read

Clinical Pearls From Sarah Lewis’ Book “The Rise”

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The journey to mastery is long and full of setbacks. In clinical medicine, a commitment to excellence is a worthy goal; missteps represent growth opportunities, not failures. 

February 12, 2020 | 1 min read

Agents of Change—Learning From Gen Z Healthcare Students

By Kevin Pan, Medical Student, Ohio University School of Medicine

Excellent clinicians are committed to reducing health inequity.

June 2, 2021 | 4 min read

When “No” to Others Means “Yes” to Yourself

By Ijeoma Nnodim Opara, MD, Wayne State University

Self-care requires the courage to say “no” to things that do not reinforce your self-worth, priorities, and purpose. This will allow you to most effectively serve your patients.

March 19, 2019 | 3 min read

Reversing the Backslide: Sexually Transmitted Infections in the US

By Matthew Hamill, MBChB, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Open, non-judgmental, respectful, medically-relevant conversations need to be the cornerstone of all therapeutic relationships. As long as patients feel valued and at the center of their care, patients are willing to engage in discussions about sexually transmitted infections.

January 16, 2019 | 8 min read

An Ode to the Herculean Heart

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

"Heart: A History," elevates our appreciation of how our predecessors worked to better patient lives, as well as the psychosocial aspects of heart disease.

December 4, 2018 | 3 min read

Just the Facts: A Book Review of “Factfulness”

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

This book is full of examples showing that we are actually doing well as a species, despite constant pronouncements to the contrary. It also reminds us that we need to be mindful of our own instincts and the biases that can influence our decisions.

November 12, 2018 | 3 min read

Insights From “A Whole New Mind”

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind" highlights the importance of cultivating empathy, humor, and the ability to create meaning.

October 9, 2018 | 2 min read

Five Authors to Follow

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Reading for a few minutes before bedtime is a calming habit, and a great way to fit in a few words from inspiring authors to fuel your practice.

Alfred Nobel, The Nobel Peace Center, Oslo, Norway.

March 18, 2020 | 2 min read

A Nobel Cause: An Interview With Dr. Gregg Semenza

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Mentors are invaluable. Whether pursuing excellence in research or clinical medicine, reach out to mentors so that you can grow efficiently.

August 1, 2019 | 3 min read

Mindset and the Power of Yet: A Conversation With Dr. Gurpreet Dhaliwal

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Excellent clinicians are also thoughtful mentors. Mentors are like beacons as we navigate our path forward.

June 18, 2019 | 2 min read

Navigating the Uncertain: A Book Review of “The Laws of Medicine”

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, provides a framework to reconcile the uncertainties we constantly experience in our practice of medicine in his book, "The Laws of Medicine."

February 11, 2019 | 5 min read

The Dots We Connect – An Interview with Dan Pink

By Sam Kant, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Dan Pink distills pearls of wisdom for health professionals from his bestselling books "A Whole New Mind" and "When."

March 26, 2021 | 5 min read

“The Danger of a Single Story”

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Margaret Hannah, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Rosemary Hawkins, MS, CCLS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A single narrative creates biases, reinforces stereotypes, and can prevent us from seeing the full potential in ourselves and others. Appreciating multiple stories can deepen and broaden our perspectives.

July 11, 2022 | 5 min read

Navigating Power Relations in Healthcare

By Hailey Haffey, PhD, University of Utah

We must be aware of the power we have in relation to our patients. This imbalance must only be used in the service of care.   

June 9, 2022 | 3 min read

Gender And Sexual History 2.0 

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

To help LGBTQIA+ individuals feel more welcome, I introduce myself with the pronouns I use. This seems to invite them to do the same.  

April 20, 2020 | 3 min read

Gender-Affirming Care During the Pandemic

By Carl G. Streed Jr., MD, MPH, Boston Medical Center, Liam Hein, PhD, RN, University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Paula Neira, JD, MSN, RN, CEN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Postponing procedures safeguards public health but can be distressing, particularly for transgender patients. Be proactive and transparent about access limitations during the pandemic.

April 21, 2020 | 2 min read

“Jiro Dreams of Sushi”

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Role models can be found on Netflix. Jiro, the master sushi chef, is aiming for perfection, and we must also continuously try to get better in our work with patients.

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.

May 30, 2019 | 9 min read

Confessions of a Female Doctor who Questions Gender Equity Movements Like TIME’S UP Healthcare

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

We have to embrace humility and first accept that we have biases, prejudices, and privileges in certain contexts. We must then do the hard work of recognizing when our biases show up in interactions, examine our past experiences that contributed to the development of our biases, and acknowledge the hurt that may be caused by our biases to ourselves and others. If we truly want to stop harassment and create equity, we have to do this emotional work every day. And we should do it to stop harassment and create equity for not just women, but for everyone.

November 17, 2020 | 4 min read

Allyship and Upstanding

By Geoff Stetson, MD, UCSF

It’s critical to promote a culture of emotional safety in your clinical setting. Offer support and speak up when you witness hurtful incidents.

"Corridor in the Asylum," Vincent van Gogh, 1889. The Met Museum.

March 5, 2018 | 3 min read

Demystifying Psychiatry

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Demystifying psychiatry for patients is the heart of my work. In its existential aspects, psychotherapy calls for the imagination of alternative possibilities.

February 23, 2018 | 2 min read

Mindfulness and Diagnostic Acumen: Inversely Related?

By Sharon Solomon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Far from being inversely related, physician mindfulness provides the foundation upon which diagnostic acumen is built.

February 26, 2018 | 3 min read

Treating Everyone Uniquely: How to Create 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.

Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org.

August 2, 2022 | 3 min read

Stranger Things in Healthcare

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working in healthcare can often feel like entering the “Upside Down.” The importance of teamwork, bravery, and embracing uncertainty are just a few of the valuable lessons from this terrific Netflix series.    

August 3, 2020 | 1 min read

Book Review of “Elderhood”

By Michelle Gyenes, MS, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health

Ageism is a form of discrimination that contributes to poor health outcomes. To mitigate its effects, we must enact policies that address biases in ourselves, our workplaces, and our communities.

May 10, 2022 | 2 min read

Supporting Underrepresented Trainees

By Vivian Altiery De Jesus, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When witnessing racism, we must support those affected to foster an environment of safety and respect.

June 10, 2020 | 2 min read

6 Lessons Learned From One Month as a Journalist

By Heather Kagan, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians—like journalists— must communicate in an open and straightforward manner.

Reverse Waterfall, Nasik, Maharashtra, India.

February 16, 2022 | 1 min read

Mentorship in Reverse

By Rayah Sawaya, MD, American University of Beirut

If you find a mentor who’s helpful and generous, consider reciprocating with “reverse mentoring.”

Now is the perfect time to seek collaborators for an idea you’ve had brewing. While your idea might not result in a masterpiece like da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" (~1490), it will reduce feelings of social isolation.

April 9, 2020 | 3 min read

Mentoring While Social Distancing

By Ruth Gotian, EdD, MS, Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Mentoring Academy

The pandemic is a critical time for clinically excellent role models to continue mentoring. Separation creates opportunities to connect in new ways.

March 22, 2018 | 7 min read

Fundamentals for Caring for Transgender Patients

By Paula Neira, JD, MSN, RN, CEN, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Improve your skills as you work to support your transgender patients and interact with your transgender colleagues.

January 28, 2020 | 3 min read

Racism From Patients—an Ethical Dilemma

By Sonal Gandhi, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A cornerstone of clinical excellence is treating all patients with respect and dignity. This is true even when treating those patients who are not respectful to you.

The author with Imam Hassan A. Aman, Johns Hopkins Ministry Advisory Board, sharing ideas about diversity.

May 23, 2018 | 2 min read

Identity: Knowing How Our Patients Describe Themselves Matters

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

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.

August 11, 2021 | 8 min read

Reclaiming Joy

By Ekene Ojukwu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When experiencing severe burnout during my intern year, I decided to take a year away from medicine. Upon my return, I was able to bring my authentic self into the work and to partner more effectively with patients.

November 12, 2019 | 2 min read

The Early Bird Special

By Rebecca Hamburger, Medical Student, Central Michgan University College of Medicine

Timing is everything. Doing our best to optimize access to healthcare is a first step to serving our patients.

Employers must cultivate a nurturing culture that supports the emotional and physical needs of their employees.

July 26, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Reduce Clinician Turnover

By Steve Kravet, MD, MBA, FACP, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

When patients lose the clinician with whom they have an established relationship, they may suffer a relapse in their physical and/or mental illness. To retain valued healthcare professionals, employers must create a work culture that supports their needs.

March 12, 2018 | 3 min read

13 Principles for Daily Living

By Rosalyn Stewart, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A primary care physician and clinician educator shares her core values for living a good life.

October 22, 2019 | 2 min read

The Color of my Skin

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

With mentorship, advocacy, and open-mindedness by all, it is hoped that there will be greater diversity within the healthcare workforce.

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