Yale School of Medicine.

Chairman’s Welcome

Jack A. Elias, MD
Chairman, Internal Medicine

On behalf of the faculty and trainees of the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, I would like to welcome you more...

Yale School of Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
Residency Training Programs
PO Box 208030
New Haven, CT 06520-8030

Internal Medicine Residency Training Programs

The Writers’ Workshop for Residents

The Department of Internal Medicine established the Writers’ Workshop in 2003 to create an opportunity for our trainees to enhance their powers of observation and to share these observations with their colleagues. Our aims were to provide an outlet for the creative energy among our housestaff, to increase empathy, and to help residents reflect on their experiences through learning the craft of writing. We felt that this focus had the most potential to help our residents appreciate the richness of their patients' stories and the power of these stories to transform the doctor-patient relationship. The workshop also provided an exceptional opportunity to improve writing skills, whether in fiction or non-fiction writing.

The first workshop, directed by physician-writer Abraham Verghese, was attended by 14 residents. The workshop was followed by a Medical Grand Rounds entitled “What the Pen Teaches the Stethoscope” by Dr. Verghese as well as a public reading by the participants. The residents took the initiative of publishing their work in a new journal, “Capsules,” which was distributed to colleagues and faculty. Overall, the inaugural workshop was an unqualified success and energized us to continue this project as part of our training program.

In 2004-2006, Richard Selzer, one of the first contemporary physician-authors, and certainly one of the best known, led the workshop. “Capsules II,” “Capsules III,” and “Capsules IV” include revisions of pieces discussed during these workshops as well as several short pieces based on workshop writing exercises. In 2007, Anna Reisman and Richard Selzer led the workshop together ("Capsules V").

We are grateful for the exceptional administrative support of Ms. Patricia King.

We hope you enjoy reading and listening to the essays and stories.

Anna B. Reisman, MD
Asghar Rastegar, MD
Co-Directors, Writers’ Workshop

Listen to Selected Workshop Writings

Press Featuring the Writers' Workshop

Published Writing by Workshop Participants