The physician as storyteller

In recent years there has been a steadily growing interest in the narrative aspects of medical practice, as well as in doctors' writings about their work. Underlying this interest is the assumption that careful attention to the language and stories of medicine can enrich the doctor-patient relationship, improve patient care, and enhance doctors' sense of satisfaction with their work. The following article inspired - and now initiates - a series by physician-writers who reflect on the interrelationship between their literary and medical work. We hope that these essays will inspire some of our readers to write as a way of exploring their feelings about medical practice or simply for their own pleasure.