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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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January 26, 2021 | 2 min read

How to Talk With Patients About Misinformation

By Stephanie McGann Jantzen, Strategic & Crisis Communications Professional

Educating yourself about misinformation circulating on social media will help you talk with your patients about false claims. This may prevent dangerous behaviors and promote health.

March 18, 2026 | 2 min read

Connecting before correcting 

When a patient chooses unproven or harmful remedies, first seek to understand why they did so rather than immediately address misinformation. Learning their reasons opens the way to discuss evidence-based treatments. 

August 5, 2024 | 3 min read

Sunscreen under siege (archives, 2024)

There are many myths circulating on social media about the dangers of sunscreen. Clinicians should ask patients if they have heard any of these and remind them that SPF products are essential to protect from UV damage.  

"While cranberry products may help prevent UTIs in some people, they’re not a cure. If your patient suspects a UTI, encourage them to seek a medical evaluation for proper treatment."

February 3, 2025 | 3 min read

Debunking women’s health and menopause myths 

Women's health, especially menopause, is rife with misinformation. Addressing patients’ needs with empathy and evidence will help empower them to make choices in line with their goals for care. 

March 8, 2021 | 3 min read

How to Talk With The Media

By Stephanie McGann Jantzen, Strategic & Crisis Communications Professional

When speaking with the media about healthcare topics, provide up-to-date information, stick to the facts, and avoid medical jargon.

May 21, 2020 | 1 min read

The Importance of Writing For Popular Media Outlets

By Koushik Kasanagottu, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In this era of misinformation, we have a moral responsibility as physician-citizens to write for media outlets that our patients read. Sharing accurate health information with the general public can inform decision-making and improve health.

March 6, 2026 | 4 min read

When GLP-1s meet eating disorders 

Use caution when prescribing GLP-1s to patients with eating disorders, or factors like rapid weight loss or restrictive eating. Screen for disordered eating and involve eating‑disorder specialists if risk is present. 

February 9, 2026 | 1 min read

Vaccines, vigilance, and equity 

Funding cuts and disease resurgence demand immediate action: work to expand vaccination in the communities you serve. This protects vulnerable patients and preserves hard-won gains. 

October 10, 2025 | 2 min read

Addressing vaccine hesitancy 

When discussing vaccines with patients, start with curiosity. Try saying, “Tell me more about what you’re thinking” to discover their specific concerns. 

July 2, 2025 | 2 min read

Lead with listening   

When a patient’s fears and misinformation create barriers to care, start with listening and validating concerns rather than beginning with facts. Shifting the conversation to what matters to them builds trust and can open the door to effective treatment. 

September 10, 2024 | 4 min read

Our patients, our planet, ourselves (archives, 2024)

By Christopher Lemon, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

By understanding the environmental determinants of health, clinicians can contribute to the well-being of both patients and the planet.

July 26, 2018 | 1 min read

A Taste of Their Own Medicine

By Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Videos spreading misinformation to patients, promoting unproven therapies, can spread like wildfire on social media. We are sharing another video to fight fire with fire.

June 28, 2023 | 3 min read

Dad’s End-of-Life Lessons

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

As my father was dying, it became clear that he had many misconceptions. This reminded me of how important it is to explore each patient’s understanding of palliative care and hospice.

June 21, 2023 | 2 min read

Cultivating Healthy Social Media Practices

By Jennifer Katzenstein, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

When discussing safe social media use, help patients to set their own boundaries around time spent online. With young people especially, discuss cyberbullying and online privacy.  

March 6, 2023 | 1 min read

Supporting Menopausal Patients

By Talia Sobel, MD, Mayo Clinic

Women often receive misinformation about menopause and even experience medical gaslighting from healthcare professionals. Clinicians should validate patients’ symptoms, and work with them to improve quality of life. 

August 16, 2022 | 2 min read

Outbreaks as Opportunities

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

Talking about monkeypox and the return of polio can remind caregivers that vaccinating young children against other illnesses is essential.

July 14, 2022 | 2 min read

How to Talk to Children About Gun Violence

By Carol Vidal, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Give children time and space to talk about their worries and listen closely. Remember, it’s always best for children to first hear the news from a trusted adult.

September 1, 2020 | 2 min read

How to Help When Home Isn’t Safe

By Galina Portnoy, PhD, Yale School of Medicine, Jessica Keith, PhD, University of Central Florida, Kelly Buckholdt, PhD, Veterans Health Administration

The pandemic has resulted in everyone spending more time at home, which has increased the potential for being physically, sexually, and psychologically harmed by others. After ensuring that patients feel safe during telehealth appointments, clinicians must directly ask if they are experiencing intimate partner violence and develop a safety plan.

February 4, 2020 | 4 min read

How to Respond to Questions About CBD

By Ryan Vandrey, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

With the massive expansion of interest in CBD products, clinicians need to know how to address their patients' questions.

February 6, 2020 | 2 min read

Navigating Masculinity in Medicine

By Kultaj Kaleka, MD, RN, Central Michigan University

The clinically excellent physician understands that male patients may need support sharing their perspectives.

June 13, 2019 | 7 min read

How to talk with a vaccine skeptic (archives, 2019)

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.

"Studies of the Fetus in the Womb," Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1511, Royal Collection of the British Royal Family, United Kingdom, public domain.

June 18, 2019 | 5 min read

Stepping Away From Stories

By Nadia Jajja, MBBS

Journalism and medicine have both taught me the privilege of having a voice and knowing when to use it.

October 23, 2025 | 2 min read

Move over FOMO 

ROMO—the Relief of Missing Out—is the burnout antidote you can start tonight. Consider skipping the next conference and protecting your weekends to have energy to give exceptional care to every patient. 

October 1, 2025 | 2 min read

Build trust, build immunity  

When talking about vaccines with those who are hesitant, provide a strong recommendation and revisit the conversation over time. 

November 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Minimizing the risks of teen social media use

By Sarah Radtke, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prioritize open dialogue with patients about social media use, focusing on its impact on mental and emotional well-being. 

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