New Publication Highlights the Need for Creativity in Translational Research Training
A new article published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science explores how narrative format can be used to strengthen education and training in translational science. Titled “Narratives of Discovery as a Catalyst for Translational Science Education and Training,” the article highlights how personal stories from scientists can shed light on the creative and human aspects of research that are not always covered in traditional training programs. The paper highlights that writing narratives can help trainees gain insight into the goals, challenges, and varied paths that shape careers in translational science.
The article is co-authored by Columbia University Irving Medical Center investigators, including Leah G. Pope, PhD (Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; and the New York State Psychiatric Institute); Daichi Shimbo, MD (Irving Institute and Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons); Harold A. Pincus, MD (Irving Institute; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; and the New York State Psychiatric Institute); Muredach P. Reilly, MBBCh, MSCE (Irving Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine); and Rita Charon, MD, PhD (Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons).
The publication describes a pilot project initiated by the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, led by Dr. Rita Charon, in which nine in-depth interviews were conducted with today’s top life scientists:
"Narratives of Discovery spring from Columbia’s commitment to the creative dimensions of scientific knowledge, work, and lives. As the birthplace of the humanities-and-arts-fortified clinical discipline of narrative medicine, Columbia has long emphasized the aesthetics as well as the epistemologies of the clinical and basic sciences."