As healthcare providers, we experience a lot of intense situations and tend to have little time to reflect on these experiences.  This is amplified by the current conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.   As our institution continues to prepare to meet the local healthcare demands, we recognize that this situation has created a unique environment for all of us.  The way that we experience it varies.  

 

Reflective writing is an avenue for exploring how these situations affect us, and it provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what our medical practice means to us, our patients, and to others.  Sharing these stories increases our connectedness, strengthens our community, and encourages us to continue our collective pursuit to advance healing and reduce suffering.

 

We invite you to participate in one, or both, of these exercises and hope that it helps you process your experience.

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* 1. The 6-word Story

A story written about an experience using only 6 words.
6-Word Story Instructions

They tend to contain 3 basic elements: conflict, action, and resolution.

For Example, “For sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn.” ~Ernst Hemingway

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* 2. The 55-word Story

The art of creating a complete short story in exactly 55 words.
55-Word Instructions

Not a poem. Not a bunch or random thoughts. Just a potent story.

A few tips:

Start by just writing.Then edit it: Keep the most important ideas and points. Cross out the rest. Remove additional words (a, and, the).

Experiment with different formats.

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* 3. Select what best describes your role. Since the list is not all inclusive, please feel free to use the write-in option.

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* 4. Let us know who you are or if you would prefer to be anonymous

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* 5. What department do you work in?

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* 6. Do you give permission for us to share your story with others on the healthcare team, both locally and more broadly?

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It resonates deeply with all of us in healthcare and encourages us to carry on with the impactful work that we all do.

If you need further support or resources, both UC Health and UC offer programs that can assist you:

UC Health Employee Resources (Includes Residents and Fellows)
Employee Assistance Program: 513-585-6100
THRIVE comprehensive wellness program for UC Health employees. 
Access is available through the Link or at UC Health Thrive 


University of Cincinnati Resources
UC Stress Center Confidential Line: 513-558-5872
UC Integrative Medicine and Wellness website: Integrative Medicine and Wellness 


Created by Wesley Dutton, MD and Jennifer Molano, MD
Adapted from the University of Washington with permission.
Questions: Jennifer Molano, MD at molanoje@UCMAIL.UC.EDU

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