Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine
MEDICAL HUMANITIES ELECTIVE
MEDICINE AND LITERATURE
“Narratives of Illness: Windows on the Worlds of Patients, Families, and Doctors”
COURSE INSTRUCTOR:
Rhonda L. Soricelli, M.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor
Drexel University College of Medicine
PURPOSE: Stories are at the heart of medicine. Patients tell their stories of sickness, sometimes as complete
narratives, but all too often as “fragments in time,” leaving it up to their family or physician to fill in the gaps. Physicians
must tell the stories of their patients as they develop a cohesive narrative for the medical record, one that will lead to
diagnosis and effective care. Of course, the two narratives may have little in common with each other – the constructed
narrative may not reflect the uniqueness of the patient or the profound impact of his or her medical condition. In this
course we will explore illness narratives found in short readings, film clips, photography and art, using them to further our
understanding of sickness and suffering as well as its deeply personal nature. We will also develop a deeper sense of the
challenges faced by families and physicians when caring for those who are ill.
CLASS PREPARATION:
Some advance preparation is required and assigned readings must be brought to class.
(It is impossible to discuss a rich short story or poem without the text in front of you.) All written materials will be readily
accessible on the Humanities web site. Readings will include short stories, essays and poems as well as brief excerpts
from memoirs and plays by physician and non-physician writers. Students will also be introduced to visual images and
film clips relevant to the topic.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ACADEMIC COURSE CREDIT: Students must acquire ten units for this course. Please read
carefully:
● One unit will be awarded for each of the ten noon presentations that students sign-in at and participate in, beginning with
Humanities Grand Rounds on January 6 in SAC-A (students will also get Grand Rounds credit). Students are strongly encouraged to
attend as many noon sessions as possible.
● Students may miss up to 2 of the 10 scheduled classes and still receive academic credit by completing one make-up assignment
per class missed. Make up assignments are available directly from Dr. Soricelli at RLSoricelli@comcast.net and must be submitted
by email no later than Monday, March 9, 2015.
● Students must also complete the electronic course survey no later than Monday, March 9, 2015. .
SCHEDULE:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
There are ten sessions scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:00 – 12:50 p.m.
Tuesday, January 6
Friday, January 9
Tuesday, January 13
Friday, January 16
Tuesday, January 27
Friday, January 30
Tuesday, February 17
Friday, February 20
Tuesday, February 24
Friday, February 27
(SAC-A)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
(A-7)
Narratives of Illness: A View from the Arts
Patient-Physician Communication
Patients and Families
The Medical Environment
When the Patient is a Child
Doctors as Patients
Aging and Dementia
The Dis-abled Life
Conflicting Needs of Patients and Caregivers
In Search of Empathy
Registration for this course is at Session I or II. Pre-registration is not required but appreciated to assist in course planning
– submit your name to Dr. Soricelli: RLSoricelli@comcast.net. If you have any questions, please contact Humanities
Academic Coordinator, by email: humanities.coordinator@drexelmed.edu or call: (215) 991-8464. You may also contact Dr.
Soricelli by phone: (610) 892-7942 or by email.
** OPEN TO FACULTY AND STAFF