Stories of Care: Individual readings and group reflections for a new health paradigm with the "Narrative Medicine Reading Group"

The Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences at the University of Trieste has been engaged for several years, in close collaboration with the Department of Humanities, in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational project to address and discuss sensitive and controversial issues related to health, illness, treatment, and empathy. This project draws on contributions from experts in the humanities (literature, philosophy, pedagogy, sociology, anthropology, etc.) and health disciplines (medicine, surgery, nursing, etc.).
Literature has often explored themes related to physical, mental, and social well-being, analyzing the experience of illness, healing, care, and death through narrative, poetic, and nonfiction texts. Sharing the reading experience can add value to the understanding and interpretation of the text, transforming reading into a journey of reflection, learning, and growth.

Precisely for these purposes, the "Narrative Medicine Reading Group" was created, a group of people who decide to read the same literary work and then meet to share ideas, interpretations, and personal reflections on the reading experience.

The group's meetings are held at the Central Medical Library, Strada di Fiume 447 (Cardiology Center, third floor).

These are the upcoming events of the "Narrative Medicine Reading Group":

• December 5, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: "Marta Waiting for the Dawn" by Massimo Polidoro
  Moderator: Gianfranco Sanson, Associate Professor of Nursing, University of TS
• January 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: "The Road Less Traveled" by Matteo Della Bordella
  Moderator: Matteo Cornacchia, Full Professor of General and Social Pedagogy, University of TS

How does a reading group work?

• Read the book suggested for each meeting; even if you haven't finished it, you're welcome to join the group.
• At the beginning of each meeting, there will be a short presentation of the book to kick off the discussion.
• The group is open to everyone, subject to availability, by reservation.
• A welcoming environment awaits you, where you can share your thoughts and experiences.

Reading groups are free and open to professionals working in the healthcare and medical field, subject to availability, by reservation (maximum 15 people).

Sign up by sending an email to the Medical Library: bibcenme@units.it