This week from the clinic. By Michael Hunter, MD
Every week, I have the privilege of listening to patients, to science, to the quiet lessons that come from showing up. This week, those moments showed up in unexpected places.
In my latest Clinic Notes essay, I shared what happened when a new patient-a white man in a hospital gown—suddenly started speaking Japanese with me, a Black doctor from the Pacific Northwest. What followed was not only surprising but also deeply moving. We talked about travel, natto, onsen, and joy. Not the kind you buy, but the kind you earn by stepping into the unfamiliar. That piece — I Didn’t Expect to Speak Japanese Today — struck a chord with many of you.
I also published “10 Tiny Habits That Recharge You — Without Quitting Your Job or Moving to Bali.” If you’ve ever felt the slow drain of modern life, this is for you. These aren’t extreme interventions — just small rituals to protect your focus, energy, and calm. Think of them as a reset button for your overstimulated brain.
Finally, I revisited the science behind how walking changes your brain. In The Walk That Rewires Your Brain, I explore why this ancient, low-tech movement builds your memory, mood, and resilience in ways even the smartest supplements can’t.
If you’re new here, welcome. I write every week about what I see in the clinic — and what I learn from patients about how to live, age, and heal well. If you’ve been following along for a while, thank you. Your comments, shares, and reflections mean more than you know.
This Week from the Clinic – Links
🔗 You can find all these essays on Medium. https://medium.com/@drmichaelhunter
Today’s post:
Wishing you a week of curiosity, quiet joy, and maybe a long walk.
Warm regards,
Michael Hunter, MD
Previous “In the Clinic” essays:
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