EP17 - Narrative Medicine: The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare

Scalpel and Sword: Conflict and Negotiation in Modern Medicine

How can storytelling bridge the gap between clinicians and patients in modern medicine?

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword, host Dr. Lee Sharma sits down with Dr. Allan Detsky, as he shares his journey from economics and clinical practice to teaching narrative medicine. He discusses the inspiration behind his narrative medicine course, sparked by his JAMA op-eds and stories like “The Hockey Stick,” where he connected with a terminally ill patient by arranging a special hockey experience. Dr. Detsky explains how narrative competence—using techniques like weaving stories or shocking patients with unexpected gestures—enhances patient care and clinician empathy. He also highlights his innovative “music video” teaching method, using songs like Hotel California to sharpen observation skills and foster mindfulness among residents. With insights from his career, including his time as physician-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital, this episode is essential for healthcare providers seeking to deepen patient connections through storytelling.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Incorporate Narrative Competence – Use storytelling to build trust with patients. Find shared interests, like Dr. Detsky’s hockey story, to create partnerships in care, and practice weaving personal or cultural narratives to enhance communication.
2. Enhance Observation Skills – Adopt Dr. Detsky’s “music video” technique by using art, like songs or theater clips, to train clinicians in noticing details about patients’ environments and emotions, improving diagnostic and empathetic skills.
3. Foster Vulnerability in Practice – Encourage transparency by sharing appropriate personal stories or vulnerabilities with patients and trainees, creating a safe space for emotional connection, as seen in Dr. Detsky’s narrative medicine course.

About the Show:

Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest

Dr. Allan Detsky is a professor and clinical investigator at the University of Toronto's Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, with cross-appointments in General Internal Medicine. Trained in economics (PhD from Harvard-MIT) and medicine (Harvard Medical School), he served as Physician-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and has published extensively on health policy and economics. A prolific writer for JAMA, he teaches narrative medicine, drawing from personal stories like "The Hockey Stick" and "My Father's Voice." Twice nominated as a Tony Award producer for musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Come From Away, Dr. Detsky emphasizes storytelling's role in medicine, humility, and conflict resolution.

Email: [email protected]

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist based in Auburn, AL, with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and is passionate about helping colleagues navigate workplace challenges and thrive through open conversations and practical tools.

Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

The Scalpel and Sword Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.