Celebrating Four Years of Reflection, Connection, and Community
April marked the four-year anniversary of Small Feedings of the Soul: Readings and Reflections! This monthly NYACP program has become a cherished space for physicians, residents/fellows and students to reflect, connect, and recharge through discussions ignited by pieces of narrative medicine.
Created by the Well Being Committee in 2021, the series invites authors to read their published pieces and encourages open dialogue to explore all aspects of practicing medicine. It has been honored with an ACP Evergreen Award and featured as a poster presentation at AAMC, recognizing its impact on physician well-being.
With guidance and passion from program directors Lynn Cleary, MD, MACP, Cori Salvit, MD, FACP, and Nandini Anandu, MD, FACP, sessions have featured powerful writings, guest hosts, visual artists, poets, and even a tribute to Dr. Faith Fitzgerald. Above all, it’s the community of members and guests who make this space meaningful!
NYACP is deeply grateful for the hundreds who have joined over the years and shared in the experience. Their words best capture the value of these gatherings:
- “We need to show ourselves grace and these group conversations are healing because we get to learn from each other. As a med student, this was invaluable for me.”
- “Loved listening to the author read the stories - hearing the emotion behind it is so moving and reminds me why I went into medicine in the first place.”
- “Putting into words what we all experience at some time in our lives and by doing so can better relate to each other and our patients”
- “Joining in a community of caring clinicians and hearing our shared experiences legitimized. Also learning from the wisdom of our colleagues.”
- “Break from routine with like-minded people who have transformed their feelings into art that can be shared in a safe place without feeling judged/self conscious/not confident”
- “Having the conversations that we're otherwise not having in our work”
- When I feel like quitting medicine, these stories and sessions (and my patients) are what remind me of why I choose to stay in medicine - for now. Thank you”