Send a text Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better… Jeff welcomes Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH, an orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, to the podcast. Richard is a big fan of the concept of narrative medicine. It’s an intentional, reflective practice of medicine in which you take what you’re experiencing and put it into narrative form. We use evidence-based medicine every day in practice. But narrative medicine is different. It’s about the importance of stories. Our own stories, as well as those of our colleagues and patients. Narrative medicine can help us be better listeners to our patients and colleagues. It can also help increase our empathy and prevent burnout. So what steps does Richard suggest we take to integrate a practice of narrative medicine? Step 1 – Explore the Humanities in Medical Literature Many clinicians are unaware that academic journals often include sections dedicated to the humanities, the arts, and narrative medicine. Reading these pieces is an easy way to begin integrating reflective and humanistic perspectives into clinical practice.Step 2 – Learn and Remember What Matters to Your Patients Make a deliberate effort to understand personal details meaningful to your patients, such as family members, hobbies, milestones, or concerns. Document and revisit these details at future visits. Small acknowledgments can significantly strengthen trust and rapport.Step 3 – Incorporate Narrative into Patient Communication Use storytelling and attentive listening in clinical conversations. Invite patients to share their experiences, and frame explanations in ways that connect medical information to their personal stories. Most importantly, PRACTICE narrative medicine! BIO Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH is an orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, after which he went to West Point followed by medical school at Tulane. He did his orthopaedic residency at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado, and orthopaedic oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer served for over 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of colonel. He had a number of stateside and overseas assignments at military medical facilities, including two tours in Afghanistan. He received several military decorations and awards for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. In addition to his clinical practice at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer is a medical student advisor, providing longitudinal school and career advising to a cohort of students from their first day and throughout the 4 years until they graduate. He has a variety of outside interests including travel, art, and sports, and is a lifelong die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills. Social Media: Closler LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/closler/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/closler Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CLOSLER/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL2CyImH8fICsHrf9YGxEwg X - https://twi SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians. Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more. PRACTICE Your Best!
