Rita Charon’s Book Wed 3/13

Well some of us met  to discuss Rita Charon’s book Narrative Medicine- on Wednesday March 13  as this book is very intense

We decided to focus on Intro and Chapter 6 – Close Reading

Roxanna who is not just one of our Fellows but attending the Narrative Medicine Program @ Columbia and is Rita’s student is leading our discussion.

Roxanna had some wonderful insights from both a cultural perspective and from a writer and Non-medical persons point of view.

We are going to continue our discussion on 3/20 as some us couldn’t attend on 3/13 and others were still digesting Chapter 6.

The fellows were quite willing to share how they felt about examples of the stories from the patients in the book.

But grasping “close reading” meant we had to read more closely! As we found as we

went over the meanings of the steps involved in close reading – for to understand this will help us unlock the patient’s stories and assist us in writing a cohesive narrative as well.

All agreed to continue this discussion on 3/20 when we will end the culture and writing section with the book

When the Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

about a Hmong Child Lia Lee.

A fascinating story of missteps and misunderstanding- Lia finally passed away last year. At the time of her death the hospital allowed “Shamans” and “faith healers” to attend not just Hmong patients and but  other  ethnic groups when they were ill at the bedside.

To be continued… Please post your experiences as we continue on the journey together.