August 24, 2023 | 2 min read

it is internship year

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

To give excellent patient care, healthcare professionals must prioritize their own mental health and that of their trainees. This could include self-help strategies, like writing, along with professional support. 

March 6, 2025 | 2 min read

Invincible

By Roshni Beeharry, MBBS, Kings College London

Clinicians should be as person-centered as possible when caring for patients; seemingly small details, like a child's request for butterflies painted on her pink spinal jacket, can have a positive impact.

March 6, 2025 | 1 min read

Interactions  

By Hanan Akbari, MFA student, Boston University

Prioritize dedicated listening time for patients, especially those experiencing isolation. The simple act of providing empathetic company can significantly enhance their well-being. 

January 26, 2023 | 2 min read

The Things You Don’t Say

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Writing poetry, like other forms of creative self-expression, can be a way to process distressing events in clinical care.   

April 21, 2025 | 3 min read

There’s been a suicide 

I wrote this poem recently after learning of a veteran’s death by suicide. This prompted me to reflect on my work as a psychiatrist, systemic failures, and the cyclical nature of grief. 

April 10, 2025 | 2 min read

Full disclosure  

I wrote this poem to highlight the profound impact of truly listening to patients. This may be especially critical when patients are suffering and the diagnosis remains a mystery.

April 1, 2025 | 1 min read

The PICC line 

By Miriam Colleran, MD, St. Brigids Hospice & Naas General Hospital, Ireland

As a clinician, writing this poem about my daughter’s PICC line was a reminder to focus on optimizing patients’ quality of life. While a medical device can alleviate a patient’s health problem, its presence is a constant reminder of illness.  

March 18, 2025 | 1 min read

“I wish for you”

By Kathleen Wenaden, MBBS, London, England

Witnessing suffering requires clinicians to intentionally practice self-care. One idea is to process challenging emotions by writing poetry.

September 25, 2024 | 2 min read

Seasons of my mother 

By Lisa Young, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

My mother had cancer while I was a pre-med student. In caring for her, I learned that it’s important for healthcare professionals to extend empathy not only to patients, but to their loved ones and caregivers as well. 

September 18, 2024 | 2 min read

“My cotton-wool-spotted coat” 

By Victoria Holm, medical student, California University of Science and Medicine

Along with disease-knowledge, effective care for patients always requires empathy and compassion. In patients with diabetes, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges they face and the impact the disease has on their lives. 

February 20, 2024 | 1 min read

Sickle cell does not have me

By Lily Kwak, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Creating art, like poetry, may help clinicians to process the complex emotions that can arise while caring for patients.

February 14, 2024 | 1 min read

A lesson on spider angiomata 

By Ridge Maxson, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

As a first-year medical student, I spent time with a patient who had alcohol-related liver disease. He taught me the importance of always knowing the patient’s personhood in addition to their medical condition. 

January 30, 2024 | 1 min read

Waiting room 

By Meher Kalkat, medical student, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Family members’ lives may be significantly impacted by their loved one’s illness. They need our comfort and support as well. 

November 8, 2023 | 2 min read

Memory is a poor monument

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Healthcare professionals often witness challenging events, like the death of a patient. Writing and other artistic expression may help us process emotions. 

November 2, 2023 | 2 min read

“Life is short and Art is long”

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

The Art of Medicine requires balancing science, care for others, and care for ourselves. Caring for ourselves is particularly important when we're not feeling well.

August 9, 2023 | 2 min read

To Grandmother’s House We Go

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Religion and spirituality are part of the human experience. Sometimes, it can improve patient well-being to include these topics in our conversations.

April 21, 2023 | 2 min read

There’s No AI in Touch

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Sometimes innovations can make our jobs easier. Rather than competing with AI, embracing it thoughtfully can allow us to spend more time connecting with patients.   

April 17, 2023 | 1 min read

The Joy of Napping

By Randy Barker, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, retired

I love to nap on my days off and tell my patients about this joy. When we share pieces of ourselves, we can connect more deeply as human beings. 

March 22, 2023 | 2 min read

Beautiful Bodies

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

I chose to leave healthcare to become a hot yoga instructor. Now I help heal patients in a different way.

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.  

March 13, 2023 | 2 min read

Hands

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Before entering medical school, paramedic school taught me how to comfort patients with a calm and reassuring touch.  

February 13, 2023 | 3 min read

“Powershield”

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

“Powershield:” a poem about power and responsibility. 

February 7, 2023 | 2 min read

“Now-right And Future-wrong”

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

Clear communication about uncertainty can help clinicians and patients better cope with unexpected or undesirable outcomes. 

July 27, 2022 | 1 min read

Hero’s Journey

By David Kopacz, MD, University of Washington

Suffering and wounds (visible and invisible) can provide opportunities for patients to gain wisdom and healing.

March 27, 2025 | 1 min read

“Breaking bad news”: a poem

By Miriam Colleran, MD, St. Brigids Hospice & Naas General Hospital, Ireland

I wrote this poem to explore sharing and receiving challenging news from the perspective of both clinician and patient. Reflecting on situations from multiple points of view enhances my ability to empathize.

July 5, 2022 | 2 min read

Dementia, Decisions, And Developing a Different Love 

By Drea Burbank, MD, Putumayo, Colombia

We must be respectful and balanced when presenting medical options to a patient’s caregivers.