Coming from the world of journalism, Sarah Singer has long believed in the value of storytelling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began to consider how storytelling could be applied in medical contexts and discovered Columbia’s Certification of Professional Achievement (CPA) in Narrative Medicine program. The non-degree, online CPA prepares health professionals, writers, and scholars to apply the skills and values of narrative understanding to enhance health care.
“I was moved and intrigued by the idea that thoughtful and intentional storytelling, when integrated into a health care context, can have a meaningful impact on the patient-doctor relationship and can positively affect patient outcomes and experiences,” Singer said.
Now a strategic advisor at Offcall, a new platform and resource for physicians designed to reverse burnout by enhancing their financial well-being, Singer is using the lessons she learned from the program to empower physicians.
In a recent interview, Singer discussed what inspired her to join the program, the value of a CPA in Narrative Medicine, and her advice to students.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a CPA in Narrative Medicine?
I am passionate about the power of stories to help people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. As a journalist by training, I spent over a decade working in news and in-depth nonfiction storytelling, primarily in video and audio. During the pandemic, I became increasingly interested in our health care system–where it was working well and where it was not serving patients as effectively as it could. Through my reading and research, I was introduced to the work of many talented medical writers and physician memoirists.
Among those whose work I was moved by was Dr. Rita Charon, the founder of Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine program and a pioneer in the field. Reading and admiring her work and philosophy is what introduced me to the program. I was immediately motivated to apply my skills and passions toward improving health care and its delivery in any way I could.
What knowledge and skills did you gain from the program?
The Narrative Medicine CPA introduced me to a collection of skills that are valuable in many contexts—close reading, active listening, qualitative research, and ethnography—and it reinvigorated my passion for creative writing.
Additionally, the program taught me a great deal about the intersectionality of health care. I came to understand that many challenges within the system stem from a complex web of overlapping social, cultural, and political factors that influence how different patient populations engage with medicine. We examined medical bias, the best ways to listen to and extract patient stories, and how to connect with colleagues in an open and nonjudgmental manner, especially when discussing sensitive topics. These skills and competencies can be applied powerfully both within and beyond a medical environment.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
The expertise and experiences of the talented physicians, health care workers, and the overall diverse community of professionals within the CPA program are unique and worth celebrating. I encourage students to engage meaningfully with their classmates to learn from one another. While the program is online, there are lots of opportunities for discussion and connection.
As a journalist and writer, I appreciated the opportunity to connect with such smart, warm, and creative change-makers. I left so many sessions and classes feeling inspired by the elevated and thoughtful level of discussion within the community.
What was a highlight of your time in the program?
My favorite experience was the weekend Workshop, a required course for the CPA, which offers a virtual and in-person option. I was able to attend in person, and it was meaningful to spend time with so many classmates. The lectures were awesome, and the community felt palpable. It reinforced the idea that storytelling and connecting through narrative really can lead to all kinds of growth, both personal and professional.
Can you tell us what you’ve been working on since finishing the program?
At Offcall, we are building tools to empower physicians to take control of their finances and careers, such as the most comprehensive and accurate physician salary database and leveling tool. We are also building a community of inspired physicians by facilitating online discussions around the issues that matter most. Storytelling is a central part of our approach, as we work to capture the physician experience and a range of perspectives through various formats, including opinion pieces, videos, our "How I Doctor" podcast, and profiles.
About the Program
The non-degree, online Certification of Professional Achievement in Narrative Medicine is designed for professionals who seek ways to bring narrative methods into their current careers. The program prepares health professionals, writers, and scholars to apply the skills and values of narrative understanding to improve outcomes for both patients and caregivers. Learn more here.
