As a GIM-Med Ed Fellow, I have had the opportunity to explore the use of improvisation (improv) theater as a teaching tool with health professions education (HPE). Improv theater is a style of live theater that is unscripted and made up in the moment in front of live audiences. Both improvisers and physicians must prepare for the same paradox – of being prepared for the unexpected. Uniquely, I completed 2-years of improv theater training as a medical student and have continued to hone these skills ever since by performing in local improv theater troupes. I have found that improv training greatly informs my approach to communication as a physician, and I am excited to bring these tools to HPE.
Under the guidance of my mentors Dr. Donna Windish, Dr. Andres Martin, and Steve Martino, PhD I have developed a novel applied improvisation curriculum to teach residents motivational interviewing skills, which we are currently implementing within the Yale Primary Care Residency Program.
In addition, under the mentorship of Dr. Melissa Weimer and Dr. Kim Sue, we are conducting a needs assessment on safer intravenous drug use among individuals who use substances, which later we will use to develop patient-informed harm reduction education materials.
I am grateful for the support of the GIM department for this exciting work!