Criteria for reviewing Narrative Essays
Narrative essays are not research reports and will usually bear little resemblance to original articles of brief reports. They are not intended to be analytical; rather they should be insightful and reflective. When reviewing narrative essays, you should consider the following issues:
- Is the story shared in this paper relevant to family physicians or educators in the primary care disciplines?
- Does the story offer an important perspective about what we learn in our work as physicians or educators? Does this perspective offer important insight into the meaning of our work?
- Is the story written in a compelling manner? Not only should the story be interesting, it should be well told. Does this paper tell the story in a creative way?
- Does the paper create an appropriate emotional context for the story? Is the story told in a way that tells you something about its author?
- Will the readers of Family Medicine learn something about themselves or their work by reading this paper?
Examples of Narrative Essay/Poetry Reviews – Family Medicine journal
Family Medicine Article Reviews
This was an interesting and well-written article reporting on an innovative integrated curriculum of arts- and clinic-based teaching. The response rate is excellent, and the data analysis appears thorough. The effects reported on students’ observational skills, awareness of the doctor-patient relationship, and capacity for self-reflection address critical aspects of medical education. There are a number of design limitations in the article, such as the self-selected nature of the sample and related social desirability influence on responses, the possible gender bias toward females, and the length of time transpired between intervention and evaluation. However, I believe these to be significantly outweighed by the original and creative nature of this work.
Examples of Poetry/55 Word Essay Reviews – Families, Systems & Health journal
Families, Systems & Health Journal Introduction
As poetry editor, co-editor and reviewer for this journal, my goals were to encourage family physicians and other healthcare professionals to appreciate poetry (and later 55-word stories) as a means of self-expression, of deepening insight into patients and self, and recognizing and valuing our common humanity.
What eventually came to be known as the Sharing Our Stories: Narratives, 55 Word Stories, Poetry section was developed to accept pieces that utilized creative writing-narratives, poetry, or 55 word stories to capture key experiences of wellness, illness, healing the health care system, and/or standout moments in healthcare.