Practical Radiation Oncology (2015) 5, 1
www.practicalradonc.org
Editor’s Note: Say “Yes!” to NO For many of the finest medical journals, it’s become common practice to present narrative experiences. Within this issue of Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), we launch our new section entitled “Narrative Oncology” (NO). We invite all of our colleagues—physicians, physicists, technologists, chaplains, medical students, caregivers, and any other members of the treatment/care team—to share their stories. In a seminal article, Dr Rita Charon emphasizes that effective medical practice presumes narrative competence, 1 which she describes as “…the ability to acknowledge, absorb, interpret and act on the plights of others.” 1(p1897) The underpinnings of narrative medicine have found application in numerous settings. Many of us are affiliated with medical schools that have incorporated literary studies and communications workshops in formal curriculum. Presumably, skills acquired enable physicians to navigate the stresses and turbulence confronted in cancer medicine today. Narrative writing can unburden us as we work to make sense of the trying journeys of illness. Often, radiation oncologists are drawn to their profession because of its high-tech orientation. But it’s a well-kept secret that our specialty is truly rad (as in “awesome” rather than the old “unit of absorbed dose”) because we haven’t abandoned the low-tech. Arguably, with our multistep process of consultation, simulation, verification, weekly checkups, and follow-up visits, we spend more face time with patients than do any other cancer-treatment professionals. As a result, we tend to deliberate on the tense and tender interactions between people confronting hardship.
In this issue of PRO, our first narrative piece 2 offers a liberal dose of deliberation. We hope the NO section will become one of our most popular. Until now, PRO contributors have composed insightful articles predicated on “logicoscientific knowledge,” relating to quantitative analysis of data and presentation of innovative methodologies. By contrast, narrative knowledge emerges from emotional analyses and a commitment to the ideals of humanism that nourish both patient and professional. To write a logicoscientific report is to hold up a mirror to reflect one’s brain. Narrative writing reflects the heart. Guidelines for narrative article preparation and criteria for acceptance now appear in our “Information for Authors” (http://www.practicalradonc.org/content/authorinfo). Send us your narrative work as well as your feedback. We encourage you to say “Yes!” to NO. Benjamin W. Corn MD Associate Editor Narrative Oncology section of Practical Radiation Oncology W. Robert Lee MD, MS, MEd Editor-in-Chief Practical Radiation Oncology
References 1. Charon R. Narrative medicine: A model for empathy, reflection, profession and trust. JAMA. 2001;286:1897-1902. 2. Corn BW. The gift of medicine. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2015;5:2-3.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2014.08.011 1879-8500/© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Radiation Oncology.
www.practicalradonc.org
Editor’s Note: Say “Yes!” to NO For many of the finest medical journals, it’s become common practice to present narrative experiences. Within this issue of Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), we launch our new section entitled “Narrative Oncology” (NO). We invite all of our colleagues—physicians, physicists, technologists, chaplains, medical students, caregivers, and any other members of the treatment/care team—to share their stories. In a seminal article, Dr Rita Charon emphasizes that effective medical practice presumes narrative competence, 1 which she describes as “…the ability to acknowledge, absorb, interpret and act on the plights of others.” 1(p1897) The underpinnings of narrative medicine have found application in numerous settings. Many of us are affiliated with medical schools that have incorporated literary studies and communications workshops in formal curriculum. Presumably, skills acquired enable physicians to navigate the stresses and turbulence confronted in cancer medicine today. Narrative writing can unburden us as we work to make sense of the trying journeys of illness. Often, radiation oncologists are drawn to their profession because of its high-tech orientation. But it’s a well-kept secret that our specialty is truly rad (as in “awesome” rather than the old “unit of absorbed dose”) because we haven’t abandoned the low-tech. Arguably, with our multistep process of consultation, simulation, verification, weekly checkups, and follow-up visits, we spend more face time with patients than do any other cancer-treatment professionals. As a result, we tend to deliberate on the tense and tender interactions between people confronting hardship.
In this issue of PRO, our first narrative piece 2 offers a liberal dose of deliberation. We hope the NO section will become one of our most popular. Until now, PRO contributors have composed insightful articles predicated on “logicoscientific knowledge,” relating to quantitative analysis of data and presentation of innovative methodologies. By contrast, narrative knowledge emerges from emotional analyses and a commitment to the ideals of humanism that nourish both patient and professional. To write a logicoscientific report is to hold up a mirror to reflect one’s brain. Narrative writing reflects the heart. Guidelines for narrative article preparation and criteria for acceptance now appear in our “Information for Authors” (http://www.practicalradonc.org/content/authorinfo). Send us your narrative work as well as your feedback. We encourage you to say “Yes!” to NO. Benjamin W. Corn MD Associate Editor Narrative Oncology section of Practical Radiation Oncology W. Robert Lee MD, MS, MEd Editor-in-Chief Practical Radiation Oncology
References 1. Charon R. Narrative medicine: A model for empathy, reflection, profession and trust. JAMA. 2001;286:1897-1902. 2. Corn BW. The gift of medicine. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2015;5:2-3.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2014.08.011 1879-8500/© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Radiation Oncology.
