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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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March 28, 2018 | 2 min read

The Physician-Citizen—Making Health Accessible to All

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Part I of II: Why being “bedside” in our patients’ communities matters.

June 22, 2020 | 4 min read

Doing Something or Doing Nothing: Health Disparities, Racial Justice, and the Risk of Failing to Meet This Moment

By Hal Kronsberg, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Truly addressing health disparities and racial justice requires an intense and challenging examination of our own clinical practices and how they may perpetuate inequalities. We must continually hold ourselves and our institutions accountable on the path to building a more just medicine.

October 7, 2021 | 1 min read

Wildfires, The Pandemic, And Public Health

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Healthcare professionals must work with the community they serve, focusing on open dialogues and communication. This will help citizens deal with unforeseen challenges.

November 2, 2020 | 4 min read

Prescription For a Healthy Future—Vote

By Deanna Behrens, MD, Advocate Children\'s Hospital, Elizabeth Mack, MD, Jenna Miller, MD, Katherine Hoops, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Clinicians have a responsibility to advocate for policies that can improve the health of all. We must take our civic responsibility seriously and make a plan to vote. 

April 24, 2018 | 2 min read

Equality v. Equity

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working towards giving equitable care, not equal care, should be our focus, especially if we’re aiming to shrink the health disparities gap.

March 29, 2018 | 1 min read

Top Five Tips For Successful Community Engagement

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Part II of II: Five specific strategies to gain the trust of your patient’s community, agree on health goals, and together define what success looks like.

Clouds at sunset, Paliambella, Greece. Photo by the author.

November 6, 2018 | 1 min read

Lessons From Paliambella, Greece

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Working to cultivate community cohesiveness in the neighborhoods where we work and where our patients live could help community health achieve its fullest potential. Here are a few simple ways to get started.

September 24, 2019 | 1 min read

Counseling Patients on the Dangers of E-cigarettes

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

E-cigarettes pose unique health risks. Screening and informing our patients of these concerns is imperative.

December 27, 2018 | 2 min read

“Charm City” Movie Review

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The upcoming film "Charm City" emphasizes that the struggles of each patient who comes to clinic extend far beyond a medical diagnosis. We must be conscious of our patients' many challenges and mindful to address them. Making time to ask about your patient's day-to-day concerns, worries, and fears about their homes, neighborhoods, and communities can help you to get a fuller perspective of their medical and social determinants of health. This will allow you to reach relevant goals of care together.

August 31, 2022 | 2 min read

Reducing Overdose Risk For Minority Patients 

By Brendan Saloner, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Omeid Heidari, PhD, NP, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for patients with opioid and other substance use disorders, focus on using tools such as evidence-based medications, naloxone, and fentanyl test strips. 

Many of the anti-vaccine messages aim to bring forth emotion in the public, especially fear. Remain calm when talking with patients, friends, family, and neighbors.

May 26, 2021 | 1 min read

Talking With Those Opposed to Vaccines

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When speaking with people who respond to scientific information in a challenging manner, the most critical thing to remember is to stay calm. Refrain from simply talking over those with whom you're in conversation.

June 20, 2023 | 1 min read

The Road Not Taken 

By Antonio Forte, LMSW, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Larkin Corrigan, LMSW, Johns Hopkins Medicine

If patients can’t manage on their own, clinicians and staff can help them use social support networks and other resources to find transportation to their appointments. Virtual visits can also be considered. 

June 14, 2023 | 1 min read

Is it safe to breathe?

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Wildfires are predicted to worsen in intensity and frequency due to global warming. When the air quality is poor, encourage those with underlying cardiopulmonary conditions to stay inside if possible, and to wear a well-fitted mask outdoors. 

April 14, 2022 | 1 min read

Supporting Young Adults Who Use E-Cigarettes

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When talking with young patients about tobacco dependence, first create a judgment-free zone and ask open-ended questions to understand why they use the product. 

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.

January 3, 2019 | 1 min read

Post-Holiday Reflections

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Throughout the entirety of the year, placing emphasis on humanity and connecting with patients is paramount.

August 30, 2019 | 1 min read

The Gatekeepers of “Fairness”

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Excellent clinicians spend time listening to patients, acknowledging concerns, and empathizing with feelings that life is not fair.

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.

If weather permits, advise patients to plan their feast outside this Thanksgiving,

November 12, 2020 | 1 min read

How to Have Healthy Holidays

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Helping patients plan safe get-togethers can slow the spread of COVID-19. Following guidelines may allow patients to connect with their family.

May 28, 2019 | 3 min read

Supporting my Patients who Smoke

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

It's important to make sure that the responsibility for addressing tobacco dependence is placed on the shoulders of clinicians, and off of the shoulders of the afflicted.

August 19, 2020 | 2 min read

6 Ways to Address Black Mistrust in Medicine

By Biosha Jones, MD, Loma Linda University

We must work toward establishing trust with all of our patients instead of assuming it already exists.

December 9, 2019 | 1 min read

Presence in Final Moments

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Traditionally, we have "protected" families from witnessing abrupt or unexpected death in our hospitals. This assumption may be incorrect; offering families the chance to be present can be what is wanted and needed.

October 10, 2018 | <1 min read

Engaging With Patients’ Communities

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making time to engage with my patients' community has made all the difference in giving clinically excellent care. Enjoy my recent TED Talk, where I tell the story of my journey to connect with my patients' community in Baltimore, Maryland.

June 25, 2018 | 2 min read

Identity Part II: Knowing Your Own Past

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

I’m not a doctor who engages with the community; rather, I’m a community member who became a doctor. This identity has helped me strengthen and maintain my relationships with my patients.

June 22, 2022 | 1 min read

Explaining The Risks of Vaping

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prioritize discussions about the long-term consequences of smoking. Be aware that just because someone has quit doesn’t mean that they won’t relapse.

February 23, 2022 | 1 min read

Why we Must be Mentors

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Mentoring is essential to supporting trainees. Helping learners find their passion and grow will ultimately allow them to find happiness and meaning in their work.   

March 15, 2021 | 1 min read

How to Talk With Vaccine-Hesitant Patients

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When speaking with patients reluctant to get vaccinated, listen to their concerns, and convey respect and empathy.

November 19, 2020 | <1 min read

Quitting Smoking During The Pandemic

By Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Remind patients that quitting smoking is hard and takes time. This will help them take a first step toward better health.

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.

October 12, 2022 | 1 min read

Equity and Inclusion: Beyond The Recognition Phase

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

Increasing the diversity of minority clinicians is a first step in combatting racism in medicine. We must also ensure that curricula are free of stereotypes and bias. 

February 27, 2018 | 2 min read

On Discrimination, Transparency, and Mutual Respect

By Anika Hines, PhD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Patients' past experience with discrimination may influence how they interact with you. Acknowledging this may improve communication and patient care.

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.

The Juneteenth Star.

June 17, 2021 | 5 min read

Lessons From 1865: What Clinicians Can Learn From Juneteenth

This weekend we can work toward unlearning inaccurate history, practice critical reflection, engage in transformative conversations, and plan to take action that will promote health equity for all patients.

March 17, 2021 | 3 min read

Making Unconscious Bias Training Work

By Verna Monson, PhD, Minneapolis, Minnesota

To be an antiracist, you must be aware of your own biases and learn from your missteps. And remember that unconscious bias training is only a starting point for dismantling discrimination.

The author having fun ice skating with colleagues at Patterson Park, Baltimore, Maryland.

February 25, 2019 | 5 min read

General Internal Medicine: An Opportunity to Engage Holistically

By Paul O'Rourke, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

General internal medicine focuses on the importance of knowing and treating the whole patient. The entire patient, in their biopsychosocial context, must always be considered to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

October 11, 2022 | 6 min read

Learning About Your Patients And Their Communities

By Hailey Haffey, PhD, University of Utah

Receiving patient and community stories with thoughtful attention can help serve the aims of equity in healthcare. 

March 27, 2023 | 9 min read

Ever Forward: Caring For Patients Who Are Transgender And Gender-Expansive

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

Treat all patients with dignity and respect and ask how they’d like to be addressed. 

A Reversed Retrogress: Scene 1 (The Purple Shall Govern) (2013), Mary Sibande. Courtesy of the artist and Somerset House London. Photograph by Flora Smyth Zahra.

October 28, 2019 | 5 min read

September Art Museum Challenge

By Flora Smyth Zahra, MA Clin Ed, DRestDent RCS, FHEA, Kings College London, Margaret Chisolm, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By providing a creative space in which healthcare professionals can build skills integral to clinical practice, while also expressing their vulnerabilities and humanity, art museum-based education can humanize healthcare and provide an antidote to burnout.

October 21, 2019 | 4 min read

Stepping Up to Climate Change

By Evans Brown, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The climate crisis is directly relevant to our work in healthcare. Healthcare professionals must step up and get involved.

A crowd organized by the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee sang “We Shall Overcome” in Farmville, Virginia, in 1966, after a speech by Stokely Carmichael.

January 18, 2019 | 9 min read

From Clinic to Senate

By Kali Cyrus, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Advocacy does not have to mean changing legal precedents; it can also be taking a mentee out for coffee, giving feedback about your colleague’s stereotyping of a patient, or not patronizing restaurants with unfair wage practices.

November 13, 2019 | 4 min read

The Art of Scaffolding Conversations

By Robert Trevino, MD, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin

Scaffolding when communicating is meeting the other person where they are in their understanding. This is essential for healthcare discussions to best meet the needs of our patients.

Image by Diana Anderson.

September 16, 2019 | 2 min read

Is Hospital Design Equitable?

By Diana Anderson, MD, MArch, Clincial Geriatrics Fellow, University of California, San Francisco

Design impacts our emotions, behaviors, and overall health. To ensure design equity for all, the culture of healthcare advocates for patient-centered design, and needs to do so for spaces that affect staff.

"Rebirth," original artwork by the author, Megan Gerber, 2018.

July 8, 2019 | 4 min read

Angry Hope: Moving Towards Healing-centered Engagement After Trauma

Trauma is common in human experience, and clinicians must be cognizant of its impact on past, present, and future health of patients.

February 13, 2019 | 2 min read

Disparities in New Treatments

By Utibe Essien, MD, MPH, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

When beginning new treatments, it's important to ask patients what they understand about the medication, what their expectations are, what barriers might exist to remaining on this agent, and what they value most out of their treatment plan.

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?

May 18, 2022 | 3 min read

A Matter of Interpretation

By Kathleen Page, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Practice, preparation, and intentionality are essential to mastering medical skills, including how to communicate effectively with an interpreter. 

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 13, 2019 | 6 min read

How to Talk With a Vaccine Skeptic

By Dharushana Muthulingam, MD, Yale School of Medicine

You cannot treat those who challenge you with contempt. Conversations must be navigated with respect and compassion.

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.

June 20, 2019 | 2 min read

Be Brave Enough to Start Conversations That Matter

By Manasa Ayyala, MD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

"Between the World and Me" is a must read. At 152 pages, it's a small investment of time that leaves a large impact. I invite you to read this book with the intent to ask curious questions, to be ok feeling uncomfortable, and to continue this important dialogue.

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