A unique aspect of our program
Narrative medicine is an experiential discipline that is predicated on the idea that illness and the care of patients occur in the context of three types of stories:
- stories that patients and families tell us
- stories that health caring professionals tell each other
- stories that we tell ourselves
These stories are the way human beings make sense of their lives and convey meaning about them, especially our deeply emotional, lived experiences. These stories inform us about the suffering our patients and we physicians encounter.
Our Narrative Medicine Program turns to the arts and humanities to help us reflect, discuss and write about the experiences that enrich us and challenge us. In so doing we provide a space to examine, feel and process reactions to events that affect us as individuals and health care practitioners, such as racial disparities and injustice posed by that, and the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sessions are a refreshment in our week. They keep us connected to our original motivations to care and advance our professional growth. The creativity and imagination deployed help participants cultivate habits that protect against burnout and waning enthusiasm.
Narrative medicine activities
- monthly narrative medicine session for residents during Thursday didactics
- monthly drop-in session open to the entire institution (currently virtual)
- monthly posting in the WSMG President’s briefing
- regular Narrative Medicine post via email to entire THFPC team
For more information, check out the links below: