Narrative Medicine
The Master of Science in Narrative Medicine is an interdisciplinary program designed for students seeking to integrate clinical practice with storytelling, empathy, and patient centered care. The curriculum combines medical humanities, literature, ethics, and narrative analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of how stories shape healthcare experiences and improve patient outcomes. Through this program, students develop clinical communication, narrative analysis, ethical reasoning, and reflective practice skills, preparing them to engage with patients thoughtfully, interpret medical narratives, and enhance healthcare delivery through empathetic and informed approaches.
This one year, full time and on campus program immerses students in a dynamic academic environment where seminars, workshops, and research projects complement clinical observation and practice. Students refine storytelling techniques, interdisciplinary research, patient communication, and medical reflection skills through applied projects and mentorship. Graduates are prepared to work in clinical settings, healthcare education, medical writing, and patient advocacy, equipping them to implement narrative approaches that improve healthcare outcomes, foster patient understanding, and support holistic medical practice.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Narrative Medicine
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 June 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Medicine
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Narrative Medicine
• Introduction to Narrative Medicine and Medical Humanities
• Literary and Cultural Analysis in Healthcare
• Research Methods in Narrative and Clinical Studies
• Ethics, Empathy, and Patient Care
Semester 2 – Applied Narrative Practice and Research
• Storytelling in Clinical Settings
• Advanced Patient Communication Techniques
• Seminar in Narrative Analysis and Reflection
• Capstone Project in Narrative Medicine
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in healthcare, medical education, patient advocacy, research, and health communication. Career paths include clinical practitioner, medical educator, patient advocate, healthcare researcher, and medical writer. Graduates are equipped to incorporate narrative approaches into clinical practice, design educational programs, conduct research on patient experiences, and enhance communication strategies in healthcare settings. The program also prepares learners for leadership, research, and applied practice roles that require expertise in narrative medicine, patient engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling them to improve both patient care and healthcare systems.
Why Choose This Program
Students choose this program because it combines clinical insight, narrative analysis, ethical reflection, and applied communication skills within a one year intensive framework. The curriculum emphasizes hands on learning, seminars, and applied research, allowing learners to develop practical, analytical, and empathetic skills for integrating narrative approaches in healthcare. Graduates gain the knowledge, confidence, and professional competencies necessary to pursue careers in clinical practice, healthcare education, patient advocacy, and research while contributing meaningfully to the improvement of patient outcomes and the humanization of medical care.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
