Narrative Medicine

I am rounding out the end of fourth year of medical school in a class called "narrative medicine".  For most medical students, we are never truly taught how to process the emotional situations that we encounter daily in a way that allows us to continue growing.  Narrative medicine provides the base on which to be able to process the emotions we feel on a daily basis, giving us the chance to provide better care to our patients.

It boils down to returning to our humanity.  To begin to again deeply experience and enjoy the world around us through readings, movies, art and music.  As we are exposed to the arts, we are provided the chance to reflect and determine how each piece can fit into our idea of self and our interactions with others.

It is the most enjoyable class I've had since my creative writing classes in undergrad.  It is the release and decompression I needed before starting intern year.  My hope is to continue this writing through residency as best I can.  I will need to continue reflecting in order to maintain my compassion and ability to empathize.  I have a fear of becoming hardened and apathetic during residency thanks to sleep deprivation and the grueling schedule.

I do have fears about residency, perhaps not ready to be posted here.  I can do it.  I have a great support group with me.  I am competent and empathic.  I have the tools to reflect on all that I learn and see in the next year.  Now just to hope that time allows it!

I will try to continue posting similar posts to the one below from reflections I do during narrative medicine.