You searched for gratitude - CLOSLER

May 15, 2018 | 1 min read

Gratitude as an antidote to burnout

By Jennifer Janus, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

By focusing on the positive aspects of medicine, clinicians reduce stress and provide more compassionate care. Happy Thanksgiving!

January 2, 2025 | 2 min read

Gratitude and goodbyes

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The privilege of longitudinal care is witnessing patients grow and evolve over time. Saying goodbye to patients can be filled with both sadness and immense gratitude for the opportunity to have been a part of their lives.

January 2, 2024 | 1 min read

Thank you lessons

By Gail Berkenblit, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When patients express thanks, they teach us what matters most to them. They often mention careful listening and conveying empathy and compassion.

Mykonos, Greece

August 13, 2025 | 2 min read

Gaining perspectives

Travel fosters curiosity and open-mindedness. Encountering diverse cultures can encourage healthcare professionals to remember the value of asking better questions, avoiding assumptions, and appreciating the individuality of each patient.

November 25, 2025 | 1 min read

Roses and renewal

Appreciating “thank yous” and other signs of gratitude from patients can be restorative. These gifts can be a reminder of the privilege that we have in caring for patients.

January 9, 2026 | 2 min read

Rule three: Be grateful always

Consider practicing daily gratitude—like noticing small acts of kindness—to strengthen empathy, buffer burnout, and reconnect to your professional “why.”

June 6, 2025 | 3 min read

Thank you “notes”

Despite the often overwhelming pace of medicine, remember that a genuine "thank you" to a patient or coworker can be powerful. It acknowledges the profound gifts of trust, collaboration, and shared humanity that underpin all healing and connection.

November 7, 2018 | 3 min read

How to Reduce Caregiver Burden

By Jessica Colburn, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Healthcare providers have the ability to provide support, connection, and resources that can help to reduce caregiver burden and increase caregiver joy.

September 15, 2021 | 5 min read

Being Grateful for a Difficult Physician-Patient Experience

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A frustrating experience as a patient taught me how to be a better doctor. Lesson #1: Always take an interest in your patient as a person.

April 10, 2019 | <1 min read

Dr. Steven Frank, A CLOSLER Look

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor

Enjoy a three-minute video interview with anesthesiologist Steven Frank, MD, on what he learned from being a patient himself, and his gratitude for his entire team.

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.

December 3, 2025 | 3 min read

Gravity, purpose, and “Stranger Things”

During career transitions, clarify your purpose, establish routines, and schedule regular check-ins with peers or mentors to stay grounded and focused.

December 30, 2020 | 4 min read

Grateful For #MedTwitter in 2020

By Chase Anderson, MD, University of California San Francisco

Despite physical distancing during the pandemic, Twitter is a platform where clinicians around the world can connect. This reduces feelings of isolation and gives support to many.

October 27, 2020 | 3 min read

Beyond The CV

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

There will always be both accolades and critiques that come your way. Neither define who you are. Nourishing your whole self can maintain balance so that you can flourish professionally and personally.

February 8, 2023 | 2 min read

Taking Time For Pizza

By Heather Agee, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When possible, take time to share dinner with colleagues and friends. This is a gift we can give ourselves to help decrease work stress.

July 31, 2025 | 3 min read

“What would you do?”

Beyond giving facts to patients, informed consent is an opportunity to understand patients’ truest concerns. Shared decision-making isn't just a conversation—it's about building a trusting relationship that empowers the patient.

May 31, 2022 | 2 min read

3 Good Things

By Richard Wardrop , MD, PhD, Cleveland Clinic

Spring is a time of graduations, assuming new roles, and career transitions. It’s also a time to practice gratitude, lead, and strive for excellence.

September 8, 2020 | 1 min read

10 Ways to Cultivate Well-being During The Pandemic

It's important to make an effort to improve your sense of well-being to help prevent burnout, especially during the strain of the pandemic.

November 29, 2023 | 2 min read

Staying grounded in these times

By Gretchen Miller, Managing Editor, Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The news can feel overwhelming. To maintain a sense of well-being while staying informed, limit media consumption and find a mindfulness practice that works for you.

August 14, 2023 | 3 min read

Accentuate The Positive

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Sometimes interactions with patients may feel challenging. Expressing gratitude to patients for positive encounters may help reduce stress and bring joy.

October 22, 2020 | 2 min read

Patient voting matters

By Patrick Hemming, MD, Duke University

Clinicians are in a position of influence and can encourage patients to vote. Expressing confidence in patients’ ability to make a difference as a voter may motivate them to take action.

September 29, 2022 | 2 min read

Documenting humanity (archives, 2022)

By Jane Abernethy, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians are in a powerful position to advocate for undocumented people, who are among the most vulnerable patients. By acknowledging the courage of this population, we can affirm their strength and resilience.

June 18, 2018 | 7 min read

Treating Every Patient How I Would Want To Be Treated

By Mitchell Goldstein, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A pediatric emergency department physician shares his inspiring clinical mission and values statement.

August 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Bearing witness

We often see the disparities in our world on display in the exam room. While we can’t make life fair, we can listen to patients’ stories and honor their experiences.

June 22, 2018 | 2 min read

Ars Medica: The Art of Medicine

By Javier de la Maza, MD, Johns Hopkins University

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to shape our reality and reconnect with our patients. Building meaningful relationships with our patients reminds us the importance of the human experience in providing clinically excellent care.

July 26, 2022 | 2 min read

Sharing One More Pint

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for a cancer patient who lived days longer than expected, I learned to be humble in my prognostications and to help patients receive “extra” moments of life as gift.

February 24, 2025 | 2 min read

Listening to find answers

By Michael Albert, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To more accurately arrive at the diagnosis, it is generally wise to believe patients’ recounting of their symptoms and experiences. This can result in uncovering medical conditions that are sometimes labeled as being more generalized—like anxiety—and lead to improved patient outcomes.

June 30, 2022 | 2 min read

Life is Short

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Give yourself the same kindness and compassion that you give to others.

November 18, 2024 | 3 min read

Starting from scratch

By Erica Richards, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Eliciting detailed stories about patients’ experiences is invaluable in healthcare. Approaching history-taking in a thorough manner allowed me to discover that a brain tumor was causing a patient’s psychiatric symptoms.

March 14, 2022 | 1 min read

A Woman of Faith in Medicine

By Kimberly Turner, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Having faith in something helps me mitigate burnout and give empathic care to all patients.

October 30, 2024 | 1 min read

More than words

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

As depicted in the drama “From Scratch,” body language may often transcend words as expressions of empathy. Healthcare professionals should remain aware of how expressions, postures, and gestures can affect the ongoing conversation.

"When a patient is riding the wave of anger, instead of defensively explaining your kind intention and clinical justification for decisions, validate their experience."

March 3, 2022 | 1 min read

Listening to my Patient’s Anger

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When encountering an angry patient, validate feelings rather than becoming defensive.

September 23, 2024 | 3 min read

The rabbit hole

By Eric Last, DO, Northwell Health, Wantagh, New York

Through my own experience as a patient, I was reminded that ordering diagnostic tests should be approached with caution and careful consideration of the potential implications. These include the likelihood of additional testing and increased anxiety.

February 2, 2022 | 1 min read

Lessons in Leadership During Adversity

By Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In difficult times, it’s helpful to understand others’ fears and concerns. Communicating clearly and regularly with those we serve is essential.

August 19, 2024 | 3 min read

Patient-powered research

Clinicians can empower patients through transparency, involvement, and ownership in the research process. This can foster a deeper connection with scientific discovery, enhance dignity, and advance health outcomes for all.

August 25, 2020 | 4 min read

A Real Hero and a Real Human Being

By Andrew Philip, PhD, Primary Care Development Corporation

The pandemic has created more stress for everyone, including healthcare professionals. Finding a relaxing activity to practice regularly can help you persevere.

December 22, 2021 | 4 min read

Maintaining well-being during the holidays

The holidays can intensify feelings of sadness. Ask patients about mood, sleep, and social support. Offer concrete guidance like maintaining regular sleep and exercise routines and limiting substance use.

August 7, 2024 | 3 min read

“Far from the madding crowd”

By Kittane "Vishnu" Vishnupriya, MBBS, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Every extra hour that a patient spends in the ER worsens mortality. Clinicians can make changes to address this problem, like reorganizing rounding to see potential discharge-ready patients first.

Audrey Hepburn. Photo by Bud Fraker, 1956. Public Domain.

August 24, 2020 | 4 min read

A Calling to Medicine From Hollywood

By Jade Cobern, MD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Whoever thought watching Turner Classics could inspire a career in medicine? Reflecting on what drew you to healthcare may restore your sense of purpose.

September 29, 2021 | 2 min read

Finding Your Way to Compassion Satisfaction

By Wilson Hurley, LCSW

Practicing strategies that renew compassion will allow you to care for patients more effectively.

July 16, 2024 | 3 min read

A box full of hope

While working as a doctor in Cameroon, I learned that the most valuable resources aren’t always technological. Instead, generosity, kindness, and human connections may be most important for making healthcare more widely accessible.

Dr. Barry Solomon and his team work to create a safe space for teens at their practice.

April 12, 2018 | 3 min read

Creating a Safe Space For Teen Well Visits

By Barry Solomon, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Providing excellent care for adolescents includes creating a safe space for confidential discussions. The clinically excellent pediatrician is able to help support the teen to share sensitive concerns with parents and caregivers.

July 30, 2018 | 2 min read

Stepping Forward

By Dorianne Feldman, MD, MS, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

There is no greater reward than the gratitude of a patient you've helped to heal.

July 16, 2020 | 3 min read

Being Human

By Kamala Tamarisa, MD, Southlake, Texas

When you notice that something is amiss with a patient or your reaction to them feels off, this is a clue to dig deeper. With time and enhanced trust in the doctor-patient relationship, things usually become clear.

September 7, 2021 | 1 min read

The Emotional Toll of The Ongoing Pandemic

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The pandemic is far from over—we are again faced with fears and uncertainties. It can be helpful to remind people to focus on what is in their control and to lean on their support systems.

Original artwork by Trisha Smith.

May 7, 2024 | 1 min read

Putting back the pieces

By Trisha Smith, MA, Charlotte, North Carolina

When I was recovering from cancer, painting abstract watercolors became my healing outlet. It allowed me to process emotions, sparked self-discovery, and led me to a career in art therapy.

Mollie, a superhero therapy dog who works with the author's pet therapy team. Copyright by the author.

April 27, 2020 | 1 min read

Therapy Dogs—Giving Joy Virtually

By Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Johns Hopkins Pet Therapy Program

In this time of waiting, many therapy dog programs share love and gratitude virtually—sending silly pictures, sweet thoughts, and getting ready for the day when they can visit in person once again.

April 22, 2024 | 2 min read

Mentorship—a lifelong dialogue

By Jane Abernethy, MD, MBE, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Rani Nandiwada, MD, MSEd, Penn Medicine

In our long-lasting mentor-mentee relationship, we’ve learned it’s helpful to put a regular check-in time on the calendar and to brainstorm questions and goals for the session ahead of time.

March 26, 2020 | 2 min read

6 ways to stay calm in these uncertain times

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It's normal to feel anxious during uncertain times. However, there are tools we can practice so that our anxieties don't overwhelm us. Remind yourself to come back to the present using a phrase such as "This moment is the only reality" or "One moment at a time."

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.