Medical Writing Interest Group
The Medical Writing Interest Group and The Script were born out of a shared enthusiasm for writing and medical humanities. Created and maintained by medical students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, The Script is a semesterly showcase of medical student writing.
Recreational Reading, Ebling Library
Included in our collection are popular non-fiction books on science or health topics, books of fiction and poetry with health themes or written by authors in the health field, and graphic medicine books.
Evidence shows that reading literature outside of work or coursework greatly impacts empathy and helps broaden one's views, which has been demonstrated to enhance the health education experience as well as enhance patient care.
Colloborating with the VA: My Life, My Story
My Life, My Story is a novel healthcare intervention developed at the Madison VA hospital. Program staff and trained community volunteer interview Veterans about their life stories and write up a short story based on the interview. These stories are then reviewed by the veteran and (with veteran approval) added to the VA medical record to be shared with the veteran's inpatient and primary care teams. The veteran also receives printed copies of the story for his/her family. The goal of the project is to foster a closer connection between VA providers and Veterans in their care.
Vital Reads
Vital Reads is a student organization created within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to serve all interested medical students. We aim to provide an opportunity for book lovers to socialize and engage in reading outside of the rigorous medical school environment. Vital Reads recognizes the importance of self-care and hopes to promote reading as an outlet for destressing and camaraderie.
Writing Opportunities for UW-Madison Students
Dr. Norman Fost Award for the Best Medical Student Bioethics Essay
The Dr. Norman Fost Award for the Best Medical Student Bioethics Essay Contest — sponsored by the School of Medicine and Public Health and its Department of Medical History and Bioethics — invites medical students annually to critically examine an aspect of the field of bioethics that is relevant to their studies.
John J Frey, III, MD Writing Awards
The John J. Frey, III, MD Writing Awards recognize and honor creative writing by faculty, residents, fellows, FMIG students, and staff in the UW SMPH Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH), UW Health Family Medicine clinics, and those in our academic partner family medicine residency programs (Aurora, Gunderson, Waukesha, and WiNC). The awards are presented at the annual Farley-Frey event.