ABSTRACT
The formal practice of narrative medicine is in its infancy for both human medicine and veterinary medicine. This new approach combines the best of “old-school” practices with cutting-edge perspectives, ideas, and collaborations. This chapter considers where the field might progress in the future. Topics considered include a focus on narrative medicine before veterinary school, and altering admission requirements to better reflect the real needs of practicing veterinarians. The lessons of the pandemic are considered, including a need to problem-solve creatively. The use of narrative to combat vaccine hesitancy is used as an example of how narrative medicine could help practitioners better inform clients and better serve our patients.
This chapter encourages veterinary practitioners to participate in narrative medicine by sharing their stories with one another. One possible site is state medical association newsletters, and Massachusetts has recently begun to feature creative work from its members in each issue.
