Profiles of Courage Lift Ninth Story Slam

Courage assumes many forms at Temple Health and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. That was abundantly clear during the Katz School of Medicine’s ninth Narrative Medicine Story Slam on October 6.

In all, 12 physicians and students shared their five-minute stories with a virtual and in-person audience – the first since the start of the pandemic – all the stories exploring the night’s theme, “Courage,” with inspiring depth and vulnerability.

Among them was a first-year medical student discovering her self-worth after everyone in her life took her for granted. Another first-year medical student restarting her life after a devastating brain condition. A palliative care doctor, again and again, stepping into the profound void that’s created by the impending loss of a life. An American – born and bred – admitting that he’s never felt welcome because his parents are Filipino emigrants. A veteran EMT realizing she was never going to save the day.

At the conclusion of each Story Slam, the audience votes for their favorites. This time, the winner was first-year medical student Najya Williams. In the spring, Williams and one other participant will represent the Katz School of Medicine at a citywide medical school Story Slam at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia featuring representatives from the Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine at Jefferson, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University School of Medicine and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

"I may sound predictable, because I say it every time, but last night’s Temple Story Slam was our best one yet,” said Michael Vitez, Narrative Medicine Program Director. “It takes great courage to stand on that stage, in front of your peers, and reveal your fears, vulnerabilities, and most resonant moments as doctor and student. As a result, everyone on that stage and in the audience is lifted, reminded of our common humanity, our love of medicine and the challenges and rewards such a career can bring.”

Read Stories and Learn More about the Temple Narrative Medicine Program