Emily Cann holds a M.S. from Columbia University in Narrative Medicine. She has run workshops in-person and online in New York, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia.
“In medical training and practice there are few opportunities for attending to the emotional content of a difficult experience or encounter, or for deploying strategies to help one’s patients or colleagues grapple with what discomforts or troubles them. Those strategies that are offered are frequently inept or inapt.”
Maura Spiegel & Danielle Spencer, The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine
Narrative Medicine workshops foster close reading skills, strengthen empathy, and improve clinical practice. Founded by Rita Charon at Columbia University in the early 2000s, Narrative Medicine sought to establish a workshop method to improve the patient-clinician encounter. Since its inception, Narrative Medicine has expanded its workshop measures to include those inside and outside the healthcare profession.
Healthcare Providers Workshop
For clinicians in the healthcare field. A workshop that emphasizes the importance of slowing down and looking carefully.
This workshop works best with a small group of 7-10 participants. Sessions run approximately one hour but can be adapted to fit longer/shorter times as needed.
Patients & Caregivers Workshop
For anyone who finds their life touched by illness or injury, either as patient or caregiver. A workshop that emphasizes reflection, reframing, and recovery. Topics include: chronic illness, grief and loss, pain and resilience.
This workshop works best with a small group of 7-10 participants. Sessions run approximately one hour but can be adapted to fit longer/shorter times as needed. Sessions may be organized around a common experience of the participants (e.g. grief), but are equally successful among participants with diverse experiences.
Student Workshops
For students at any point in their journey into healthcare, or for students who are interested in deepening and expanding their relationship to health fields and the humanities. A workshop that focuses on questioning and critical thinking.
This workshop works best with a small group of 7-10 participants. Sessions run approximately 45 minutes but can be adapted to fit longer/shorter times as needed. Recommended that student workshops are paired with mini lecture: What is Narrative Medicine?
Lecture: What is Narrative Medicine?
Perfect for any group who has not participated in a Narrative Medicine Workshop in the past. This mini lecture covers a brief history of Narrative Medicine, as well as the foundational elements of the practice.
Full: This lecture functions best in a classroom or classroom-like environment. Groups can range in size from 10-30 attendees. A larger group may be accommodated upon request. The lecture runs approximately 1 hour and includes a shortened sample workshop.
Mini (add-on only): This lecture is perfect to add on to a first-time workshop for anyone who is looking for a deeper understanding of the workshop process. The mini lecture runs approximately 15 minutes in length.
“Recognition that what one hears in someone else’s story can depend on one’s own experiences and state of mind can change everything—can be culture change. ‘Where am I in this patient’s story?’ and ‘Where am I in the story of healthcare today?’ are questions that, if asked consistently and honestly, can change the face of healthcare.”
Maura Spiegel & Danielle Spencer, The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine
emily n. cann 