Narrative in Space: NASA Storytelling Project with Jeff Thompson and Damian Tarnopolsky
As part of NASA’s Awe Project, Jeff Thompson explores how narrative practices can support astronaut wellbeing.
Podcast from the Narrative-Based Medicine Lab
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Recent Articles
Rita Charon on the Power of Storytelling: Feature in the Financial Times
Monday, January 12, 2026
NBM Lab Community Members at Word on the Street Festival
Monday, January 19, 2026
Letter from the Editor: Winter 2026
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Lab Offerings
Foundational Certificate in Narrative-Based Medicine (Certificate Program)
Registration now open for 2025 & 2026
Dive into the principles and practices of Narrative-Based Medicine in this unique certificate program. Join learners from across Canada and around the world.
From Page to Publication: A Writing Workshop for Health Professionals
Two-Part Online Workshop: Jan 21 & Feb 11, 2026
This workshop is your launchpad for developing your writing style and voice, and sharing your work with the world.
Creative and Reflective Writing Workshop for Health Practitioners
Registration Open - Starts Thursday, April 30, 2026
This four-session series is designed for health practitioners seeking to improve their creative and reflective writing skills.
All Narrative-Based Medicine Offerings
Browse our workshops, multi-session series, and activities taking place throughout the year. Part of the Advanced Certificate, our stand-alone offerings can also be completed on their own.
Creative Work
Charles Hayter Recognized for “The Boy Who Loved Alice” on the 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize Longlist
Charles Hayter’s nostalgic storytelling has been longlisted for the 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize for his essay “The Boy Who Loved Alice.” Read More
Paula Holmes-Rodman Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal and Published in Ars Medica
Paula Holmes-Rodman has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and has published a new story in Ars Medica. Read More
"A Short Story About Imperfection" by Catherine Brooks
Catherine Brooks, a curator of Stories for Medicine, shares a reflective piece on healing in her blog piece “A Short Story About Imperfection.” Read More
Ray Torbiak Publishes Spy Thriller Novichok: The Novice Assassin
Foundational Certificate alum Ray Torbiak immerses readers in a spy thriller with debut novel Novichok: The Novice Assassin. Read More
“I'm Childless, Not Kinshipless” by Cynthia Gralla
Cynthia Gralla is featured in Best Canadian Essays 2026 for her essay on childlessness, identity, and women’s experiences in modern society. Read More
NBM Talks Podcast
A Conversation with Jay Baruch
January 26, 2026
Jay Baruch traces where his interest in story, narrative, and medicine began.
A Conversation with John Launer
December 3, 2025
John Launer shares thoughts on the state of narrative-based medicine today and into the future.
Conor Mc Donnell Reflects on the Evolution of Language with What We Know So Far Is…
November 21, 2025
Conor spoke with Zeynep Zuhal Arslan of the NBM Lab about this latest release, its inspiration, and the connection between language, medicine, and the conversations that stay with us.
A Conversation with Petal Abdool
October 8, 2025
Petal Abdool shares how storytelling and lived experience bring medicine to life.
Case Repertory
-
Letter from the Editor: Winter 2026
Words from editor-in-chief, Conor Mc Donnell, introducing the narrative pieces in this winter 2026 issue.
-
The Beam of Light
A sparkling piece of work that embodies compassion, impact on self, reflection, and celebration of human connection.
-
The Dance of Family Medicine
A piece that places the patient at the centre of writing and demonstrates the power of kinship between patient and carer.
-
Fall in the Foothills
An intimate narrative of a sibling's sudden cancer recurrence and the harrowing weeks that follow from a caregiver's perspective.
-
FND
Delivered via two narrative voices—parent and patient, physician and physician’s child—this piece dances back and forth from one perspective to the other.