Students in the Certificate in Narrative Medicine in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University  use close analysis of literature and nonfiction writing to explore and understand the diverse range of the human experience as it relates to sickness and health. Foundational to the certificate program is the idea that clinical medicine is not divorced from experiences illuminated in literature and the arts. Rather, they are inextricably linked. 

Those working in clinical medicine know there are many aspects of the experiences of both patient and caregiver that the language of science fails to capture. Narrative medicine allows Using small-seminar courses in the pre-clinical and clinical years followed by a capstone project customized to each student, the immersive Narrative Medicine certificate program presents creative, dynamic opportunities for careful reflection on the experiences of patients in the broadest sense and on the professional identity of clinical medicine practitioners.

The curriculum emphasizes  analyzing fiction and nonfiction writing. Reflective and creative writing assignments improve students’ ability to recognize, interpret and tell patient stories. Students who are interested in film, visual arts, dance and other creative mediums have opportunities to explore these outlets as well.

The certificate program is open to students at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine who are working toward their MD degree. Courses and assignments have been designed to align with and complement medical school coursework.