Johanna Shapiro, PhD
Despite the chronic overload of patients and paperwork experienced by many doctors, this paper argues that doctors should make time occasionally to read and reflect on a medically themed poem. Reading poetry can reduce the burnout and isolation many physicians can come to feel as a result of medical practice. In addition, by helping doctors to see their daily professional life from a different perspective, poetry can lead to creative new ways of interacting and even intervening with patients. Possible outcomes for physician-readers include renewal, inspiration, and re-commitment to core values of service and patient care.