Perspectives
Narrative Medicine and Overcoming Implicit Bias
Abstract
Narrative medicine is a unique facet of medicine that encompasses all specialties, and offers value to physicians across many disciplines and environments. Its themes focus on the notion of developing competence in understanding the predicament of another person, and recognizing the multifaceted journey toward healing that patients experience. Introspection regarding patient encounters, in particular, can play a part in the noteworthy aim of overcoming implicit bias. During medical school, I witnessed a scenario involving a patient identifying as a Jehovah’s Witness, where the importance of understanding another’s cultural background was emphasized. The concept of recognizing one’s own culture and the impact it can have on a clinical decision one may make was brought sharply to mind.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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References
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