Narrative Writing Program

The Narrative Writing Program (NWP) provides faculty with the opportunity to develop narrative skills and gain confidence through in-class reflective writing, close reading and discussion of literary works of various genres, and writing workshops. Such narrative training fosters writing skills and can help guide participants to share stories of their professional work with a broader audience. The NWP training can enhance professional well-being and foster compassion for self and others. The curriculum is designed to help faculty—including clinicians, educators, scientists, and public health professionals—to engage with stories and storytelling themes at the intersection of their own lives and those of their students/trainees and the public. The program coaches participants through the process of writing and revising a narrative, which could include personal essays, fiction, poetry, op-ed, or other types of non-research writing. By the end of the course, participants will have written and revised a piece of writing suitable for submission for publication.

Program Directors: Sarah Wingerter, MD , and Jennifer Beard, PhD, MPH, MA.

2025 – 2026 Applications Are Now Closed.

Learning Objectives:

• Acquire new writing competencies and self-efficacy to generate publishable narratives.
• Foster reflection and finding one’s voice for professional and personal well-being.
• Engage more empathically with patients, learners, colleagues, and self, refining skills for listening and interpreting personal narratives.
• Develop essential skills for effective leadership (emotional awareness, openness, compassion, etc.).
• Learn about the importance of storytelling for career development

Target Participants:

• All BU Medical Campus Faculty are welcome to apply
• Must have a BU faculty appointment to be considered

Commitment:

10 sessions October to June, Thursdays via zoom from 5-7 pm

FY26 Dates:

• October 9th, 2025
• November 6th, 2025
• December 11th, 2025
• January 15th, 2026
• February 5th, 2026
• March 5th, 2026
• March 26th, 2026
• April 16th, 2026
• May 14th, 2026
• June 11th, 2026

BU intends that its facilities, programming and academic offerings will be accessible, inclusive and diverse. Your experience in this event is important to us. If you require communication access services for the deaf or hard of hearing, or require an accommodation for another reason, please contact bumcfdd@bu.edu to discuss your needs. Please see Event Accessibility for details on accommodations.

For more information about the NWP, please contact us at bumcfdd@bu.edu