Johanna Shapiro, PhD
In this essay, I reflect on the origins of my relationship to writing, as well as my journey with poetry and medicine as a health psychologist, medical educator, medical/health humanities scholar, and poet. I explore how these two seemingly disparate disciplines became entwined in my life and how I came to understand poetry as a kind of healing art. The essay concludes with gratitude for the opportunity to have mentored other writers, poets, and students on their paths to more deeply comprehend and honor our shared humanity.