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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.

May 9, 2023 | 3 min read

Interpreting Patients’ Goals

By Adela Wu, MD, Stanford Medicine

While caring for a patient who spoke a different language than I, the medical interpreter translated more than words. She also explained cultural differences that proved invaluable.

February 28, 2022 | 4 min read

To Our Interpreters: Gracias, Shukriyah, Todah, Danyavad, Merci, Danke

By Cecilia Murach, Medical Interpreter, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Kamna Balhara, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nathan Irvin, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When working with an interpreter, remember that they’re a person, not a machine. Saying “thank you” makes them feel like a valued member of the healthcare team.

September 4, 2018 | 1 min read

7 Tips for Working With an Interpreter

By Stephanie Nothelle, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Pause often, ask one question at a time, and avoid idioms when speaking through an interpreter.

September 23, 2021 | 2 min read

Best Practices for Cross-Cultural Communication

By Rebekah Fenton, MD, Northwestern University

When caring for patients with limited English proficiency, always use a licensed interpreter. Remember to direct your speech and body language to the patient.

April 11, 2022 | 6 min read

Effective Partnering With Medical Interpreters

By Cecilia Murach, Medical Interpreter, Johns Hopkins Medicine

A medical interpreter can support successful communication between limited English proficiency patients and the other clinical team members. This collaboration helps build cross-cultural connections with patients and improve care.

August 4, 2021 | 1 min read

Best Practices When Working With an Interpreter

When caring for a patient with limited English proficiency, understand that you’ll need to collaborate effectively with an interpreter. Speak naturally in the first person and maintain eye contact with your patient, not the interpreter.

August 26, 2024 | 1 min read

The medical Tower of Babel

Immigrant patients often face challenges when accessing healthcare because of language and cultural barriers. Certified medical interpreters can help reduce the likelihood of inequities in care.

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.

August 12, 2021 | 1 min read

Beyond Language—Closing the Gaps

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

Caring for a patient who didn’t speak English showed me that all patients can benefit from a compassionate facial expression, eye contact, and a soothing tone.

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.

March 14, 2019 | 4 min read

How to Help Your Patient Understand Genetic Testing Results

By Leslie Ordal, MSc, CGC

To help your patient with their direct-to-consumer genetic testing results, use skills that apply for any sensitive clinical encounter: listen, acknowledge, and reassure of your presence in the process. Then connect your patient with a genetic counsellor for follow-up as needed.

November 10, 2021 | 5 min read

Reading Between The Lines

We don’t always say what we’re thinking, particularly in difficult conversations. Sharing and exploring unspoken thoughts can lead to stronger connections with our patients and better care.

October 4, 2021 | 1 min read

Words Matter

By Leslie Miller, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When serving as an advocate for a family member, I noted judgmental language in the EHR. This reminds me as a clinician to consider how patients (and their families) will feel when they read my notes.

September 19, 2022 | 1 min read

What I’ve Learned as an ESL Physician

By Ming-Hsien Wang, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Growing up with non-English speaking parents, I know first-hand the challenges that these patients face. Being able to communicate is imperative for connecting and creating effective treatment plans.

January 21, 2021 | 1 min read

Lost in Translation

By Sonal Gandhi, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When you and your patient don’t speak the same language, clear communication is critical. When an interpreter is unavailable, reach out to staff and others for help.

Édouard Manet: "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère," 1881-1882. This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason: Public domain This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or less.

August 6, 2019 | 7 min read

July Art Museum Challenge

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

The skills required in the clinic are the same as those in the art gallery: to examine, investigate, embrace ambiguity, consider multiple interpretations, reflect, collaborate, and learn.

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.

Dr. Margaret Chisolm captures a photograph of the painting, "John, 1st Baron Byron," 2013, Kehinde Wiley (American, born in 1977), at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

April 8, 2019 | 5 min read

On Looking: March Museum Visit

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

Visual Thinking Strategies and the Personal Response Tour are two examples of museum-based pedagogical practice that build critical thinking skills, foster empathy, and allow for reflective space away from the clinic.

January 10, 2019 | 3 min read

How to Improve Your Physical Diagnostic Skills With a Digital Database

By Samuel Durso, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

To sharpen diagnostic skill, take a minute to cross check the physical exam against images and lab results in the electronic record - if not congruent, then why?

March 8, 2022 | 3 min read

Tips For Assessing The Intensity of Pain

By Brian Lee, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, David Madder, DO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When assessing pain, we often ask patients to assign it a number between 0 and 10. Asking about the effect of pain on behavior and functional status can often give us a more meaningful understanding.

"An Infinity Room Installation," Yayoi Kusama. Wikivisually.com. Public Domain.

December 19, 2019 | 5 min read

November Art Museum Challenge

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

The reality of clinical practice can be complex and uncertain and these sessions away from the clinics in and around the art museum space allow students through haptic exploration to become more comfortable with ambiguity.

May 19, 2021 | 3 min read

Clinical Training Translating to Clinical Excellence

By Jennifer Spicer, MD, MPH, Emory University

Bias awareness achieved in teaching/learning can transfer to the clinic. Thus learners can help clinicians become aware of bias toward patients.

This is from "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," written by Anne Fadiman. The art copyright is believed to belong to the publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, or the artist. Public domain from wikipedia.org.

November 20, 2019 | 2 min read

“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down”

By Laura Pugh, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The gap between cultural systems can be wide. Openness, curiosity, and humility will improve cross-cultural care.

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.

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."

December 20, 2018 | 9 min read

You’re not getting my f-ing box cutter: paradoxical ways kids ask for limits

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

The most important lesson I’ve learned as a child psychiatrist is how badly kids want limits when they’re struggling, even when they keep that wish to themselves. Kids are smart, and when we catch them breaking a rule, we need to be curious about why it happened.

February 28, 2018 | 3 min read

Sacred or Stigma? A New Realm of Expression

By David Efron, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

In 2018, do not resuscitate options are broad—distillation of the letters DNR do not provide enough guidance, and tattoos have yet to be validated as a definitive expression of this wish.

March 2, 2018 | 4 min read

The Joy of Mentoring

By Ivor Berkowitz, MBBCh, MBA, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making time to mentor a high school student can be refreshing and rejuvenating for all clinicians.

"I tend to think I'm above average in singing, but my family isn’t shy in telling me that I’m unskilled and unaware."

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.

February 10, 2025 | 2 min read

The weight of words, the power of presence

Effective care includes explicitly communicating empathy and compassion. This includes overcoming language barriers between patient and clinician by collaborating with a medical interpreter.

September 17, 2020 | 3 min read

5 Tips for Talking About Autopsy Results With Your Patient’s Family

By J. Stephen Nix, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Managing loved ones’ expectations before the autopsy is critical. Ensuring there's ample time to privately review and explain the results can help bring meaning and closure to their loss.

"Primary Colors Ascending," by Janice Greenberg.

December 17, 2024 | 5 min read

The portal paradox

By Megan Gerber, MD, MPH, Albany Medical College

Communicating with patients electronically presents both benefits and challenges. I’ve cherished when patients have shared creative works with me—both in person and via the portal—although I recognize this may add to my message count.

October 1, 2020 | 3 min read

3 Tips to Improve Your Body Language

By Adam Koenig, Medical Student, University of Toledo

To build a strong patient-clinician relationship, position your body with an open posture and make good eye contact.

December 2, 2024 | 4 min read

An intriguing paradox

By Ghida Kassir, MD, University of Toronto, Canada

Because anorexia is not uncommon, it is likely that we will all encounter a patient who is suffering from this life-threatening condition. Although it may be difficult to understand self-starvation, empathy and compassion must be prioritized to establish a trusting patient-clinician relationship.

September 10, 2020 | 2 min read

Collaborating With Physical Therapists

By John Corsino, PT, Cape Cod Hospital

Better collaboration between clinicians and PT colleagues can improve the health outcomes of our patients.

November 21, 2024 | 2 min read

Building bridges with patients through writing

By Roshni Beeharry, MBBS, Kings 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.

April 17, 2018 | 5 min read

Knowing Your Patient

By Khalil Ghanem, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Diagnostic excellence begins and ends with knowing your patient.

Dr. Eric Howell sharing and communicating about patient care with a colleague.

May 22, 2018 | 1 min read

What My Patients Taught Me About Leadership

By Eric Howell, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

A veteran hospitalists highlights four areas where patients have helped him become a more thoughtful leader.

August 23, 2018 | 4 min read

How To Incorporate Students Effectively Into Clinic

By Rachel Salas, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Making the time and effort to integrate students into clinic cohesively can be associated with both improved clinical productivity and educational value.

May 7, 2020 | 5 min read

Captivity and COVID-19

By Cesar Lopez, MD-PhD student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zackary Berger, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Severely ill incarcerated individuals will be hospitalized at disproportionately high rates during this pandemic. As always, healthcare professionals should treat them with dignity and respect. Better care of those who are imprisoned may help with our public health efforts and response.

The Baltimore Museum of Art. Wikipedia.org. Photograph by Eli Pousson, 2018 March 25.

April 7, 2020 | 3 min read

The Personal Responses Tour in Medical Education

By Howard Chang, Medical Student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Arts-based medical education improves fundamental clinical skills, including ambiguity tolerance, reflective ability, bias awareness, and empathy. It can also enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals.

May 21, 2018 | 3 min read

Listening and Communicating

By Justin McArthur, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

The clinical mission and values statement of a neurologist, sharing thoughtful tips on listening and communicating with patients and their families.

August 26, 2024 | 2 min read

The Argentinian way

By M. Carolina Musri, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In Argentina, I learned that relationship-building in medicine is paramount. With patients, talking about anything non-medical can deepen a connection. With coworkers, sharing lunch every day can help reduce stress and improve well-being.

WWI Battle of Verdun Cemetery, Verdun, France.

March 23, 2020 | 4 min read

Finding the Right Words—Lessons From Nurse Mary Borden

By Iro Filippaki, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

WWI Nurse Mary Borden's autobiography provides inspiration to search for the right words to describe our experience, and perhaps, find solace as we face the challenges of medicine.

May 17, 2021 | 1 min read

Validating my Patient’s Despair

By Avani Prabhakar, MBBS, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When my young patient was struggling to accept the diagnosis of leukemia, I was reminded how important validating emotions is in the giving excellent care.

June 24, 2024 | 2 min read

Partnering with patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in medical decision-making

By Sara Mixter, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, explore supported decision-making options and prioritize communication needs. These steps should offer them more control over medical choices.

Encourage parents to support their teens in connecting with friends in physically-distanced ways.

March 3, 2020 | 3 min read

The Power of the “Ordinary”

By Gaye Cunnane, MD, PhD, Trinity College Dublin

Excellent clinicians recognize that sometimes the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients comes in the most unexpected moments.

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.

December 5, 2023 | 3 min read

Museums make me a better clinician

By Johannes Thorman, MD, Scania University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden

Museum-based health professions education is an emerging field. Studying visual art can help healthcare professionals become more patient, collaborative, rigorous, and appreciative of their colleagues.