Well some of us metĀ to discuss Rita Charon’s book Narrative Medicine- on Wednesday March 13Ā 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 butĀ otherĀ ethnic groups when they were ill at the bedside.
To be continued… Please post your experiences as we continue on the journey together.
I am LOVING the When the Spirit Catches You! What a great choice for us – thanks!