Lexi Witherspoon & Mykala Walker

Lexi Witherspoon & Mykala Walker

School: UAB School of Public Health (Mykala) & UAB Heersink School of Medicine (Mykala and Lexi)

Academic Mentor: Dr. Todd McCarty

Site Mentor: Madison MeGahee

Site: The Lovelady Center, Birmingham, Alabama

Mykala and Lexi developed and implemented a recurring 6-week Narrative Medicine curriculum designed to promote reflection, storytelling, and patient-centered advocacy through diverse art forms such as self-portraits, literature, and poetry. They facilitated weekly sessions at The Lovelady Center, fostering a supportive environment for participants to build confidence in sharing their stories. In addition, they led workshops for third-year medical students and high school and college students focused on applying Narrative Medicine principles and addressing bias and stigma in healthcare. They also collaborated with clinical curriculum leadership at UAB Heersink School of Medicine to explore integration of Narrative Medicine into formal medical education. Through their work, participants across all groups demonstrated increased empathy, confidence, and ability to recognize and challenge bias in healthcare settings.

Project Results

  • Enrolled ~40 women at The Lovelady Center across 3 semesters and 2 Saturday workshops
  • More than 90% of participants reported increased confidence in telling their story and advocating for themselves in healthcare settings
  • More than 90% reported feeling their voice is stronger, more respected, and valued in reducing stigma
  • More than 90% reported greater comfort sharing experiences without shame and increased ability to challenge bias and stereotypes
  • More than 90% reported feeling more connected to others and believing their story can create positive change
  • More than 90% reported the exercises were meaningful, provided useful tools, and will have a lasting positive impact
  • Educated 25 UAB Clinical Skill Scholars (teaching faculty physicians) on Narrative Medicine principles
  • Reached 150 third-year medical students through Narrative Medicine workshops
  • Engaged 100 high school and college students through conference workshops on bias and stigma in healthcare
  • Developed a 6-week Narrative Medicine curriculum (with weekend workshop adaptation) for stigmatized populations, including evaluation tools
  • Created tailored Narrative Medicine workshop curricula for medical students and high school/college students