Medical Readers' Theater

Book excerpt: We have all had experiences with sickness, care giving, physicians, medical emergencies, hospitals, and doctors' offices. Health concerns are not solely the domain of medical students, physicians, or nurses - we all deal with our personal well-being and the health of our loved ones on a daily basis. Sometimes these health problems cause us to consider larger social and ethical issues. How do we respond and relate to such matters? In order to help both lay people and medical professionals consider various health care issues, East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine developed a medical readers' theatre programme. Compiled for the first time in a single text, this book provides a vehicle for those who wish to engage in discussions among citizens and professionals about important, topical issues in contemporary medicine.