Integrating a Narrative Approach to Medicine

This podcast was prepared for the UWill Discover Sustainable Futures Project at the University of Windsor by Outstanding Scholar student Krishali Kumar. Narrative medicine is a technique in which a physician will apply "narrative competence-that is, [the capacity to receive, interpret, co-construct, and bear witness to the stories I...] patients bring" (Peterkin, 2012, paras. 1). This podcast will explore the roots of narrative medicine, its benefits considering the current state of Canadian healthcare, and disadvantages, drawing from experiential applications in healthcare institutions across the globe and locally, including at the University of Toronto's Narrative Medicine Lab. Additionally, this podcast will suggest strategies in integrating narrative medicine in care for future healthcare professionals. The potential impact of this work is to instill in future medical providers the importance of the medical humanities as to promote the well-being of their future patients.