What is narrative medicine?

It is a framework that acknowledges and honours each individual’s story. When you go to a doctor’s appointment, you don’t always get a chance to tell the full story behind your symptoms and why they may have manifested. Narrative medicine highlights the idea that truly being heard can be therapeutic. Basically, it’s a fancy term for being listened to. 

Narrative medicine encourages us to move beyond the ideology of "how do I treat this symptom?" to the more holistic approach of "what does my patient need?" In many instances, our patients need our enthusiastic support, our time, and the space to share their stories. 

Not every patient is ready to take on the lifestyle changes, the complicated pill routine or the referral wait times all at once. One baby step at a time, we listen, we encourage, and we move the needle for these patients to thrive after finally feeling heard and respected.

How can narrative medicine help me?

Something that is said to me in almost every appointment is “wait, you don’t think I’m crazy!”. I certainly don’t think any patient should be labelled as crazy. Your symptoms are real, otherwise you wouldn’t be seeking care. 

Mistrust in healthcare is universal. I know I’ve been dismissed many times, and I have probably dismissed others without recognizing it – no healthcare professional is perfect 100% of the time, but we can always strive to be better. It’s time we start listening to the experiences of our patients, taking them in fully and caring for the stories they haven’t had the chance to tell. 

Years ago, I complimented a mentor of mine for her easy-to-understand analogies she used to explain complex physiology to her patients. Her response was that she always treats patients like the are smart because they are!  As clinicians we can provide the opportunity for transparency and mutual dialogue with our patients. Patients have always provided me with insight, thought provoking questions and new evidence for their concern. 

We validate your stories and bear witness to your resilience, and this leads the practitioner to absorb, reflect and become more creative in the process. Our appointment is like a symbiotic relationship where we get to learn and grow from one another.

How can narrative medicine help me as a doctor and how do I learn it?

Clinician burnout is real! More and more doctors are opting for administrative jobs that allow them to step away from seeing patients on a daily basis. Dr. Rita Charon, the trailblazer of narrative medicine, noticed that narrative medicine programs began to spread across the country. Some physicians trained in its principles began to notice how it can protect clinicians from feeling a sense of depersonalization and other symptoms of burnout. Narrative medicine provides a layer of protection to us as doctors. 


In an exercise conducted by Dr. Sneha Mantri at Duke University, students read a selection from a neurology textbook about migraine symptoms and the changes in the brain when a person experiences a migraine. They then read Joan Didion's essay, “In Bed,” in which she describes her personal experience with migraines. Students were asked to compare the two readings and discuss what each perspective offered to the other. Then the students re-wrote one of their own medical notes from the point of view of the patient.
These types of exercises help students and doctors alike to step away from the burnout-inducing dissociation of treating chronically ill patients with difficult-to-manage symptoms to gain a new level of empathy for a patient's experience. It also serves as a reminder that knowing medical facts is just one part of caring for a patient.


In conclusion, we’re here to listen to your stories and help with the heavy lifting along the way. Allowing yourself to tell the story can help your doctor better understand your concerns and the direction they need to steer.


Yours in health, 
Dr. Jennifer Kerr, ND

References


  1. Loy, M., & Kowalsky, R. (2024). Narrative medicine: The power of shared stories to enhance inclusive clinical care, clinician well-being, and medical education. The Permanente Journal, 28(2), 93–101. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/23.116 
  2. Charon, R. (2001). Narrative medicine. JAMA, 286(15), 1897. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.286.15.1897 
  3. Butcher, L. (2019). Neurologists find an antidote to burnout through narrative medicine: Neurology Today. American Academy of Neurology. https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/fulltext/2019/04180/neurologists_find_an_antidote_to_burnout_through.14.aspx

Practitioner Bio

Dr. Jennifer Kerr, ND, is a compassionate naturopathic doctor with a special interest in chronic and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Her practice extends to general family medicine, where she supports patients with urologic concerns, mental health challenges, immune-mediated conditions, and chronic infections.
Dr. Kerr deeply values the healing power of narrative medicine—believing that every patient’s story matters. She provides a safe, validating space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take control of their health.
She currently welcomes new patients on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays at Clementine.

Smiling woman with red-blonde hair resting her chin on her hand at a white table by bright windows

Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.