Twelve trainees and faculty from the School of Medicine took the stage to tell stories (and sing) about their experiences in and out of the medical field at the first annual In Our Words event. Sponsored by the Office of Education and Becker Library’s Feuerstein Health and Wellness Information Center, the event aimed to foster connection and improve well-being among the School of Medicine community through storytelling.
Naazia Azhar, MD, MBA 
Judson Ellis
More than 100 people from Washington University gathered at Third Degree Glass Factory on April 12 to connect over dinner and listen to the storytellers recount their experiences of grief, challenges stemming from the pandemic, and personal insights from their journeys as care givers.
There were wonderful moments of reflection for members of the audience who shared a connection with their own experience in training, and others who got to glimpse stages of training they had yet to experience. Storytelling normalizes experiences and makes us feel a little less alone. In doing so, it can improve overall well-being and reduce the burnout that many experience.
Elie Abdelnour, MD 
Mackenzie Cappelle
The lineup of storytellers included Naazia Azhar, Emily Podany, Janice Hanson, Elie Abdelnour, Judson Ellis, Lilly Gonzalez, Amy Riek, Michael Slade, Risha Shah, Joan Noelker, Sajal Tiwary, and Mackenzie Capelle. The courage and vulnerability of this amazing group were greatly appreciated by all.
Hear from two of the storytellers on the Show Me the Science podcast.