New Course!
Narrative-Based Medicine: Using Storytelling to Transform Healthcare
January - June, 2021: Digital Certificate Program
Continuing Professional Development, University of Toronto
The narratives that patients and practitioners construct together can affect the nature and meaning of health events. Understanding how to listen, give voice to experience, and integrate insights gained from reflection can improve patient care and practitioner fulfillment. Learn these essential skills in CPD’s Narrative-Based Medicine certificate program. The only certificate of its kind in Canada, this unique program trains participants in narrative-based medicine skills: close reading, reflective writing, listening and communication skills.
In 8 sessions held over 6 months, participants will:
Develop reflective and creative writing skills through tailored practical exercises
Gain one-on-one editing, guidance, and mentorship from a prize-winning author
Cover the theory and practice of narrative-based medicine through expert guest speakers and readings
Engage in a small group seminar format which encourages interaction, collaboration and teamwork
Upon completion of the program, participants will be better equipped to work with stories of all kinds to positively impact their fulfillment and patient care.
A New (?) Story
The Antigonish Review just published my short story “In the Parlour.”
I’m happy. They’re happy. Everyone’s happy.
zoom zoom zoom
Seeking Submissions
Good Reading in Bad Times
Gabriel Levine’s
new book is an inspiring experimental rethinking of traditions for our time. Highly recommended!
New Course Starts March 12th
Narrative Medicine
Reading, Writing, and Reflecting in Clinical Practice, Teaching, and Self-Care
And I Feel Fine
Photo by Aarron Norcott on Unsplash
The Walrus published my article on climate fiction in their December issue, and have posted the piece here.
Like The Irishman, but with more Close Reading
For a video project on Narrative Medicine, the Health, Arts, and Humanities Program at the University of Toronto interviewed me about “How to Approach a Story.” The results can be seen here.
Staged Reading!
The Defence
by Damian Tarnopolsky
A Staged Reading
presented by Junction Reads
starring
Alexandra Montagnese
and Mark Wilson
Friday November 29th, 7pm
Village Playhouse
2190 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON
PWYC $10
Blast from the Past
My article on Elizabeth Bowen and “nothing” (because, well, you’ll have to read it) is featured in a new book now available from Edinburgh University Press.
The Defence wins the Voaden Prize
I’ve just learned that my play The Defence has won the Voaden Prize, a national playwriting competition. Part of the prize is a staged reading at the Kingston WritersFest, coming up on September 27th 2019. Hope to see you there!:
Kingston WritersFest and the Dan School of Drama and Music proudly present a staged reading of Damian Tarnopolsky’s The Defence, the winning play of the 2019 Herman Voaden National Playwriting Competition. Join us for an exclusive first look at the winning play at Kingston WritersFest. Previous Voaden Prize winners include Jordan Tannahill for Late Company and Norman Yeung for Theory. This year’s best play, announced at KWF’s July launch, receives a prize of $15,000.
Friday September 27th, 2019 8pm:
Bellevue Room, Holiday Inn
2 Princess St
Kingston, Ontario K7L 1A2 Canada
Toronto Book Award longlist announced
(I’m on the jury)
Into That Fire
MJ Cates’ debut novel is an absorbing historical study, an important chapter in the history of psychiatry, and a devastating love story — and, unusually, it was written by a noted Canadian author under a pen name. Find out more here.
Deepening
My new course for health practitioners interested in improving their writing will shortly be open for registration via the Centre for Faculty Development.
Deepening Narrative Competence
The Sparrow
I went to the launch of Albert Moritz's Selected Poems - he's a lovely, honourable man, a model of generosity and commitment to literature, and when he reads his work it's like Wallace Stevens just walked into the room.
most of all I envied birds when I saw them
Mulisch
I'm finally reading the Dutch writer Harry Mulisch. I first came across "The Assault" - a short novel, careful and dextrous and subtle, describing a man's search for (and avoidance of) his family origins in WWII Holland (a la Modiano?). “The Discovery of Heaven,” on the other hand, is enormous, intellectual and comically talky. It's profound and profoundly entertaining, and different from "The Assault" to the point that it’s hard to believe it’s by the same author. (I like it when writers refuse to follow a single style or mode.) Now I'm trying to find "The Call."
judge not
Congratulations to Chris Gilmore, winner of the University of Toronto Short Story Contest for his gentle and perceptive story "Fanny and Keats." (I was on the panel of judges that selected his piece.)
150 x 150
The 49th Shelf included my recommendation in their great anniversary list of 150 Canadian books selected by 150 Canadian writers, 150 for 150. It's not what it looks like. Well, not exactly.
Writing for Doctors
I'll be teaching a new course, Fostering Narrative Competence: Reflective and Creative Writing for Clinicians and Educators, at the University of Toronto medical school's Centre for Faculty Development in the new year. Registration available October 9th.