Episode #143 Transforming Health Care with Narrative Medicine and Clinical Yarning - A Conversation with Dr. Mariam Tokhi, University of Melbourne, GP, Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health

THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

We welcome Dr. Mariam Tokhi, a pioneering general practitioner from Melbourne, who has introduced the first course of its kind in Australia on narrative medicine. Storytelling has long been a powerful tool for communication, education, and relationship-building. In the context of healthcare, upskilling clinical skills through storytelling, also known as narrative medicine, and the practice of "clinical yarning" as used by Aboriginal communities, provide unique and transformative approaches to patient care.

Narrative medicine encourages medical professionals to engage more profoundly with themselves and then their patients by listening to their stories. Dr. Tokhi, along with her colleague, Senior Paediatric Emergency physician Fiona Reilly, believe in facing the haunting memories and "ghosts" that many doctors carry with them. These memories often stem from interactions with "difficult" patients or situations where outcomes were less than ideal.

Join us as Dr. Tokhi delves into her groundbreaking course, shares her insights on how narrative medicine is transforming health care in Australia, and explores the profound impact that stories can have on both patients and medical professionals.

In a world where the medical field can often feel detached and clinical, Dr. Tokhi's work reminds us that at the heart of healing is the human story. Listen, learn, and be inspired by this unique approach to medicine.
Upskilling Clinical Skills Through Storytelling:
1. Building Empathy and Understanding:
Storytelling allows healthcare professionals to connect with patients on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding. By listening to patients' stories, doctors can gain insights into the individual's experiences, values, and concerns, leading to more personalized and compassionate care.
2. Enhancing Communication:
Effective storytelling promotes clear and concise communication. By learning to articulate complex medical concepts through stories, healthcare providers can make information more accessible to patients, facilitating informed decision-making.
3. Reflective Practice:
Narrative medicine encourages healthcare professionals to reflect on their experiences and interactions. This reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, professional growth, and improved patient outcomes.
Clinical Yarning in Aboriginal Communities
"Clinical yarning" is a term used within Aboriginal communities in Australia to describe a form of storytelling that has therapeutic benefits. It offers valuable lessons for transforming healthcare.
1. Cultural Respect and Sensitivity:
Clinical yarning respects the cultural traditions and values of Aboriginal people. It acknowledges the importance of relationships, trust, and community in healing.
2. Holistic Approach to Health:
This practice recognizes that health is not merely the absence of disease but a complex interplay of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Clinical yarning allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health.
3. Community Engagement:
Clinical yarning fosters a sense of community and connection. It engages not only the individual patient but also the wider community, reinforcing the communal aspect of health and well-being.
Conclusion
The integration of storytelling into healthcare, whether through narrative medicine's upskilling of clinical skills or the practice of clinical yarning, represents a significant shift towards more human-centered care.
By embracing the power of stories, healthcare providers can forge deeper connections with patients, enhance communication, foster empathy, and promote a

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