The Summer Research Fellowships in Narrative Medicine are awarded to Columbia P&S students for research in topics related to narrative medicine and social medicine. Stipends of $3,500 are provided through the NIH K07 Award on social science and behavioral science in medicine in partnership with the Program in Narrative Medicine. Students are invited to submit proposals for 10-week projects centered on issues of narrative medicine and related areas, and if selected, will be expected to carry out the
research under the oversight of a mentor. The research should have the potential to be ongoing, as these stipends will provide the opportunity of continued mentorship and research beyond the scope of the summer—as such, projects are limited to work accomplished at Columbia or in other areas of New York City. A final report is due at the conclusion of the ten weeks.
Sample topics in narrative medicine include: theory and assessment of reflective writing in clinical practice or medical education; patient-centered and reflective methods of medical interviewing; issues in narrative genetics or narrative ethics; effects of close reading or similar endeavors on patient/caregiver relationships or clinical teams; methods of understanding the lived experience of patients and those who care for them; development of innovative narrative clinical interventions (e.g., witnessing in practice, patients writing in their own chart). Sample topics in social/behavioral medicine include: methods of engaging patients in health-related behavior change, social justice issues in clinical care.
Projects will be evaluated and selected based on the following criteria: significance of the problem to be addressed, clarity and persuasiveness of the written proposal, availability of suitable mentors at Columbia, goals achievable within the time course of the fellowship, and strength of commitment for on-going engagement in the topic beyond the summer.
Applications are due on or before March 19, 2010. Note: Only Columbia P&S students are eligible to apply.
To apply:
Please send a 2-3 page proposal that includes:
- Description of project: Abstract, significance, hypotheses, goals, objectives
- Implementation/research methods (if IRB is necessary, please give status of application)
- Possibility for research to continue after student fellowship
- Discussion of what led to your interest and how this fellowship might contribute to your understanding of the practice of narrative medicine and social medicine as well as the lived patient experience regarding illness, health, and/or the healthcare system.
Proposal must be accompanied by a cover sheet and a supporting letter from the Student Affairs or Medical Education Dean. The letter from the Dean of Student Affairs or Medical Education must state that: 1) the student is presently in good academic standing, 2) the school approves of the mentor and the location of the project, and, 3) the school is willing to accept and administer the grant.
Students whose projects are awarded fellowships will meet with NIH/Narrative Medicine faculty during the spring to identify mentors for the work and to facilitate student/mentor collaboration.
During the course of the fellowship, any major changes in the project or a change in mentor must be pre-approved by the Program in Narrative Medicine.
Please submit your application either to narrativemedicine@columbia.edu, or as a hard copy to:
Nellie Hermann
Program in Narrative Medicine
Division of General Medicine
PH 9-East, Room 105S
