On healing and humanity

Abstract

As hospitalists, we often meet people at the most vulnerable times of their lives. In these moments, we must quickly build trust and connection, balancing the precision of medical decision-making with the art of human care. These interactions hold countless stories, rich with emotion and insight. Yet, too often, they are not shared, either dismissed or forgotten in the rush of daily responsibilities.

To honor these stories, we are excited to introduce a new column in the Journal of Hospital Medicine titled “On Healing and Humanity.” While personal narratives have long found a place in our Perspectives in Hospital Medicine column, this new space will explicitly highlight and encourage contributions—from patients, providers, and others—that delve deeper into the intersection of medicine and the human experience.

Storytelling lies at the heart of On Healing and Humanity. We invite submissions of personal vignettes, original poems, and essays that explore the patient–clinician relationship, medical decision-making, and the emotional realities of providing and receiving care. These stories will amplify the voices of healthcare workers and patients alike, promoting self-reflection and capturing nuances often missed in clinical notes and academic papers. Healing is not just about physical recovery; it also involves recognizing and honoring the complex emotions experienced by providers, patients, and caregivers. These stories will offer insights that deepen our understanding of compassion and connection.

At a time when healthcare professionals are increasingly stretched thin and burnout rates remain high, personal reflection and creative expression are more important than ever. By sharing these narratives, we reclaim the humanity in our work and reconnect with why we chose this profession. We look forward to the stories and conversations this new column will inspire.

The author declares no conflict of interest.