Narrative medicine is a young field in human medicine and even younger in veterinary medicine. Yet, some of the best veterinarians practice narrative medicine instinctively. Narrative medicine feels more like collaboration between the veterinarian and animal owner.
<narrative medicine> is authentic engagement. . . diagnostic listening . . . rather than perfunctorily going down checklists.
Source: Tufts Catnip, September 2019. Link. In a groundbreaking 2001 article, aimed at M.D.s in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Rita Charon, MD, PhD, makes the point that if the patient [or patient’s guardian in an animal context] doesn’t get to tell the whole story, “the resultant diagnostic workup might be unfocused and therefore more expensive than need be, the correct diagnosis might be missed…and the therapeutic relationship might be shallow and ineffective.”
INSIGHTS: Cat, dog or any animal; consider that the vet needs to understand both the animal’s life and the life of the person caring for the animal. “It’s two sets of variables to account for,” shared Karen Fine, DVM.
Note: We have applied the narrative thinking to all animals though the article is focused on cats. Regardless, this is an important article to share within the veterinary community at all levels. Salespersons may see a connection to collaborative selling skills.