"Television Drama and Popular Film as Medical Narrative

The author of this article takes a clear stand on the issue of Television Dramas and their effect on society. A position which is clear in the closing paragraph. "Medical narrative in the form of television drama and popular film provides health care decision-makers with an important avenue for moral learning. The visual element of this narrative form enhances the perception of particulars and engages the viewer emotionally as well as cognitively. Moreover, aesthetic distance in the experience of medical drama permits emotional identification accompanied by critical reflection so that medical decision-making for oneself and one's loved ones may become better informed by a consideration of alternative choices and their consequences within the institutional setting."

If I had to describe this article I would describe it as a persuasive, the author takes a position and provides reasons for it, and also takes opposing remarks and refutes them. The author looks at the positive side of medical narrative through television, glorifying it for its informative value to the public. It allows the viewer to visually and emotionally immerse themselves in a fictional situation that may be valid to their life, or could be valid in the future. Although, they get emotional involved in the stories of the show, they aren't actually attached to that situation, and looking at it from an outside perspective can make a more informed decision. In real life situations our emotions take control of us and cloud our decision making processes, but seeing it on T.V. we can make more logical decisions and apply those decisions in the future. The author also promotes the fact that medical dramas promote awareness and can stimulate conversation and preparation among families so they are not dumbfounded by a medical decision in their life. The author advocates televisions depiction of medical narrative as a valuable educational tool in all aspects. Stating, "By providing viewers with accurate information concerning various treatment options and their consequences, important advances may be made toward the empowerment of patients and surrogate decision makers."

After reading this article I believe the definition of medical narrative i can draw from it is, an informative story which evokes emotion, and brings awareness to the reader/viewer through thought stimulation.