January 8, 2019 | 1 min read

Book Review of “Wolf Constellation”

By Deirdre Johnston, MBBCh, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

This novel prompts us to consider a family's story across generations and its influence on the emergence, manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of illness in an individual. We routinely inquire about, and document, every patient's family history, but the simple listing of a diagnosis in other family members does not tell the whole story. We need to be curious about that story, because it can tell us much about our patients' strengths and vulnerabilities.

Brighstone sunrise, Isle of Wight, England. Stock photo.

June 13, 2023 | 3 min read

Reflections on “A Fortunate Woman,” by Polly Morland 

By Jonathan McFarland, Medical Humanist, Autonomous University of Madrid & University of Pompeu Fabra, Theodora Tseligka, MA, PhD, University of Ioannina, Greece

The patient-clinician relationship is at the core of medicine. Morland shares the story of a country doctor to illustrate how healthcare has evolved from doctor- to relationship-centered care. 
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.