Sharing a story is the way we make sense of our experience of being human. “What happened?” is the essential question that is asked by every member of the health care team. How carefully we tell and listen to the stories told in response to that question affects every aspect of care, from accurate diagnosis to treatment compliance.

“Narrative” medicine enriches the experience of patients, doctors, nurses and every member of the health care team by creating space for reflection on what it feels like to be ill or to care for others.
 

• R.T.T. Diploma of the Royal College of Radiographers (Therapy), London, England ‘79

• B.A. English Literature, Cedar Crest College ‘04

• M.S. Narrative Medicine, Columbia University ’14
 

• Adjunct professor, Cedar Crest College, Department of Health Sciences

• 10 years clinical and research experience in Radiation Oncology

• Host of “Volvox” - a monthly gathering held in NYC for students, alumni and faculty of the Columbia University Program in Narrative Medicine.

• Presenter, 4th Health Humanities Conference, Denver, May 2015

• Docent at the Allentown Art Museum

 

Heather Cariou, B.F.A., M.S. Narrative Medicine
Author of “Sixty Five Roses: A Sister’s Memoir”

Deborah Starr, Ph.D., M.S. Narrative Medicine
Creator of “Plain Talk” (video on end of life)

Marina Tsaplina
Founder and Artistic Director 
The Betes Organization, Inc.
www.thebetes.org

Stephanie Adler Yuan, M.S. Narrative Medicine
Regional Consultant
The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare