Narrative medicine as an educational tool

Abstract

Narrative Medicine (NM) is an approach that incorporates the stories of patients and physicians as a source of clinical understanding and professional development. This article reflects on the role of narrative in medical education, also integrating a personal experience with my mother, a patient with lung cancer. Based on recent contributions in the field of NM, we explore its benefits in clinical practice and medical education. Recent studies highlight that NM complements Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) by capturing the uniqueness and context of each patient. Moreover, current reviews confirm that it constitutes a transversal tool across theory, clinical practice, and teaching, with the potential to strengthen empathy, communication, and shared decision-making . In complex settings, such as the perioperative environment, NM helps to recognize values, emotions, and meanings that influence patient care and support . We conclude that narrative medicine is a valuable resource to humanize clinical practice and enrich the training of students and residents, fostering a more ethical, empathetic, and person-centered medicine.