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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

March 18, 2021 | 5 min read

The 24 Notes of Taps

By William Wright, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Let us honor the bravery of clinicians who have sacrificed everything in this pandemic to serve others.

December 13, 2023 | 1 min read

Micro-acts of joy

Focusing on your own wellness doesn’t take a lot of time. A simple practice like listing three things you’re grateful for each day can reduce burnout.

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.

"My patient dreamed of walking with me at the seashore and staying up late chatting. That dream was an escape, a mental vacation, and a balm for her wounds."

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.

December 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“I need this test.”

By Pavitri Dwivedi, DO, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When patients request a test that you think is unnecessary, be curious and elicit why they feel this way. Then address their concerns about the condition being screened.

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

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

A safe takeout meal for residents and fellows to pick up.

January 13, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Support Your Learners During a Pandemic

Listening to your trainees is always the first step in prioritizing their well-being and mitigating burnout. This is especially important during challenging times.

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.

January 11, 2021 | 2 min read

Meditation to Manage Stress

By Wilson Hurley, LCSW

Stress can cause us to be impatient with patients and colleagues. Noticing this and refocusing our attention toward the patient can help us continue to give excellent care.

November 27, 2023 | 2 min read

When the truth (literally) hurts

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

When our patients are facing surgery or other procedures, thoughtful questions can help allay their worries.

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.

July 17, 2018 | 4 min read

Being a True Patient Advocate

By Deborah Freeland, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Sometimes being an advocate for your patient means fighting for a decision that you don’t fully agree with and respecting their decision; in so doing, you are fulfilling your duty to protect and honor patient autonomy.

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.

January 6, 2021 | 1 min read

5 Wellness Tips for 2021

By John Poehler

To mitigate burnout, prioritize sleep and gratitude.

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."

Practicing humility can improve team-based care.

November 10, 2020 | 2 min read

Moving From Empathy to Humility

By Barret Michalec, PhD, Arizona State University

Acting with humility is granting someone else a higher status than one claims for themselves. This acknowledgement of respect is critical to being an effective healthcare professional.

May 25, 2023 | 2 min read

Fighting The Feed

By Colleen Schreyer, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Limiting social media use and being selective about what you view can help cultivate a positive body image.

March 12, 2020 | 4 min read

What I learned from my primary care mentors

By Colleen Farrell, MD, New York University

All of us can learn from primary care clinicians, who know that listening, compassion, and connection are the foundations of clinical excellence.

October 26, 2020 | 1 min read

8 Ways to Manage Election Stress

By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mindfulness strategies can help clinicians and patients alike to ease election-related anxiety and promote positive mental health.

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.

April 3, 2023 | 5 min read

“Get Well Soon”

By Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Pennsylvania

In the extra minutes I spent getting to know my patient, she shared a secret that allowed me to help her follow care recommendations.

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 10, 2019 | 2 min read

Our Greatest Teachers

By Vivek Murthy, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

To find meaning in your clinical work, search for the words and moments that affirm your shared humanity with patients.

March 30, 2023 | 2 min read

Cultivating a Beginner’s Mind

By Clara Watkins, student, Emory University School of Nursing, Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Remember when you were a new learner? Approach situations with that open, creative, and nonjudgmental mind that you may have had when you started training.

"Sun Rise," by David Kopacz.

August 8, 2019 | 2 min read

The Circle of Re-Humanizing Medicine

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

We need human-based medicine in conjunction with evidence-based medicine. If we only identify as scientists and not as healers, we risk dehumanizing our patients and ourselves.

March 21, 2023 | 1 min read

Co-Reader

By Randy Barker, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, retired

When we, or someone close to us, have a disease that we see in our patients, it’s an opportunity to more deeply understand the illness experience.

July 24, 2019 | 3 min read

Time, Talent, and Treasure

By Jennifer Foster, MD, MBA, Florida Atlantic University

Excellent clinicians always strive to make human connections with their patients. This creates the foundation of trust and respect essential to healing.

June 10, 2019 | 4 min read

Lessons learned from my journey through depression

By Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

Being a patient has taught me patience, with myself, with those I care about, and with those I care for as physician.

January 5, 2023 | 1 min read

Quiet Quitting in Healthcare

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The past three years have been difficult in healthcare and some are now doing less than we used to. Because this may be a temporary strategy, patience and understanding may be the most considerate approach.

November 22, 2022 | 3 min read

Living Your Best Life

By Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By understanding what a good life looks like for each patient, clinicians can move beyond merely treating diseases to helping people flourish.

Author's photos, including a photo of the portrait of Anna (center).

March 6, 2019 | 1 min read

Calling Card for the Soul

By Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Johns Hopkins Pet Therapy Program

Pets hold a special place in all of our hearts. To connect with patients and to show genuine interest, ask them about their pets. You may be surprised how much you will learn about your patient including who they are, what matters to them, and what they love.

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.

The koru is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. It's an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattooing, where it symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace. Photo by David Kopacz.

October 18, 2022 | 7 min read

A New Paradigm For Growth

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington, Lucinda Houghton, PhD

As with other traumas, burnout, viewed as an opportunity for personal and professional development, offers a way to expand ourselves as wholehearted healers.