The Med Moth storytelling event returns to UMass Medical School on Nov. 2 from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. in the Albert Sherman Center multipurpose room. The event, inspired by a radio show and podcast hosted by the New York City non-profit group The Moth, is a platform for the UMMS community to share prose or poetry about the clinician as a person.
Med Moth is being presented by School of Medicine Class of 2019 students Michelle Silver and Sarah Ohnigian as part of their Capstone Project. The third-year medical students hosted the first event last spring.
“We believe this form of creative outlet can apply to any field, and is especially important in the high stress, fast-paced environment of science and medicine,” Ohnigian said. “We think it is crucial to allow time to be mindful of these experiences and appreciate why we are doing what we do.”
Reflections should be no longer than five minutes and do not have to be memorized. The Moth was founded in 1997 by poet and novelist George Dawes Green, based on the stories he would share with friends in his native Georgia on hot summer nights on his porch, as moths fluttered in the light.
“Storytelling is a powerful way to bring people together to share experiences and reflect,” Ohnigian said.
Anyone interested in participating should contact michelle.silver@umassmed or sarah.ohnigian@umassmed.edu.
