Sharing Stories
MedEdPearls December 2017: This MedEdPearls article highlights storytelling as a timeless communication method in medical education, enhancing motivation to learn about empathy, well-being, professionalism, and reflection.
What’s your story: the power of narrative medicine?
Inspiration for this #MedEdPearls goes to @annieweisman1 & @dmullinsdms from their recent storytelling workshop at The Generalists in Medical Education.
Storytelling is a communication method that has stood the test of time. Its use in medical education is seen across the continuum to engender motivation to learn on topics across a diverse spectrum: empathy, well-being, professionalism, and reflection.
The hook of this pedagogical practice is derived from the connection created between those in the dialogue and the level of listening needed in order to understand the meaning behind the words. Every patient has a story and through these stories the element of humanistic medicine is found “physicians need the ability to listen to the narratives of the patient, grasp and honor their meanings, and be moved to act on the patients behalf” (Charon, 2001, p. 1897).
Join the #MedEdPearls Twitter discussion to share your story!
- How you are integrating storytelling in #MedEd?
- Is your #MedEd curriculum using narratives in any of the situations Charon (2001) explores: the physician and patient, the physician and colleague, the physician and self, and the physician and society?
Maybe you are looking at how to incorporate narrative medicine in your #meded curriculum? Check out the MedEdPORTAL publication by Winkel (2006) on a writing workshop for residents.
About the MedEdPearls Author
The MedEdPearls are a collaborative, peer-reviewed, monthly brief intended to provide practical tips and strategies for medical and health professions educators to enhance teaching and learning.
Carrie Bowler
EdD, MLSCM (ASCP)
- Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Health Care Administration, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Operations Administrator, Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development
- Jean Bailey, PhD – Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Carrie Bowler, EdD, MS, MLSCM (ASCP) – Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development
- Kristina Dzara, PhD, MMSc (Educators ’16; Assessment ’16; HCE 2.0 ’17) – Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- Shanu Gupta, MD, SFHM – University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and Tampa General Hospital
- Jennifer Hillyer, PhD – Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Larry Hurtubise, PhD, MA (HCE 2.0 '16) – The Ohio State University
- Anna Lama, EdD, MA – West Virginia University School of Medicine
- Machelle Linsenmeyer, EdD, NAOME (Assessment ’07) – West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Skye McKennon, PharmD, BCPS, ACSM-GEI – Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Rachel Moquin, EdD, MA – Washington University School of Medicine
- Stacey Pylman, PhD – Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Leah Sheridan, PhD – Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Lonika Sood, MBBS, MHPE – Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Mark Terrell, EdD – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Stacey Wahl, PhD – Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Harvard Macy Institute
Harvard Macy Institute
The Harvard Macy Institute educates, connects, and serves health care leaders around the globe by providing advanced faculty development programs, thought leadership, and impactful networking opportunities.
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