Office of Innovation and Scholarship in Medical Education
Alan Klass Program in Health Humanities
Narrative Medicine Series with Kyle Mendonça
Narrative Medicine 101: An Experiential Introduction
Are you curious about Narrative Medicine but not sure what it’s all about? This interactive workshop offers an introduction to Narrative Medicine principles through collaborative and experiential
learning. No prior experience in Narrative Medicine is required – all are welcome!
Narrative Medicine lies at the intersection of medicine and the humanities. It develops narrative competence: “the capacity to skillfully receive the accounts persons give of themselves–to
recognize, absorb, interpret, and be moved to action by the stories of others” (Principles and Practices of Narrative Medicine, Charon et al). In this workshop we will explore the core features of Narrative Medicine:
close reading and prompted creative writing. We will reflect on how narrative medicine can promote empathy, strengthen communication, and deepen our sense of meaning in our clinical work.
Monday, March 9, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Zoom
Registration encouraged, but not required.
Click here to register or join by clicking the Zoom link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88134357806?pwd=dUeMLblCz8aKTbTCFtLzeYE4bV8ikO.1
Meeting ID: 881 3435 7806
Passcode: 355599
Close Reading: Building Narrative Competence to Improve Patient Care
Have you ever left an encounter feeling disconnected from a patient, like something was missed by not quite being on the same page? Busy clinical care can make us lose sight
that patients have complex stories not solely defined by their health or illness. How can we better understand one another, while providing the best care, and feeling fulfilled by our work?
Close reading, a core practice of Narrative Medicine, is one powerful approach. Close reading brings intentional attention to the way stories are told, sharpening observation, broadening perspectives, and bridging layers of meaning.
In this interactive workshop we will collaboratively close read short texts, exploring how narrative elements such as metaphor, voice, tense, and perspective shape meaning. We will also reflect on how our own experiences influence our interpretation of the
stories of others. Slowing down to examine how meaning is co-constructed can provide practical strategies to enhance listening skills, foster more thoughtful communication, and improve patient care.
No prior experience in narrative medicine is required – all are welcome!
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Zoom
Registration encouraged, but not required.
Click here to register or join by clicking the Zoom link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84784196383?pwd=WfiHRPdyfUNxs3UGDX5LmeQ3wq26wh.1
Meeting ID: 847 8419 6383
Passcode: 389289
Facilitator: Kyle Mendonça, Assistant
Professor, Pediatrics, University of Manitoba
UGME Pre-Clerkship Coordinator, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
More sessions to be announced soon.
Ashley LaRosa
Faculty Development Coordinator
Office of Innovation and Scholarship in Medical Education
S204, Medical Services Building, Bannatyne Campus
Max Rady College of Medicine
204-272-3102 phone
204-272-3169 fax