Julie Kutac
Associate Professor of Instruction, UT System Distinguished Teaching Professor, Dep't of Physician Assistant Studies, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch
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Dr. Kutac is an Associate Professor of Instruction, Director of Program Assessment, and UT System Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies in the John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Kutac earned her BS in Molecular Biology from Texas Lutheran University, her MA in Religious Studies from Rice University, and her PhD in Medical Humanities from UTMB.
As a faculty member, Dr. Kutac teaches and guides physician assistant students as they consider the social, ethical, and communicative dimensions of the practice of medicine. Using creative, active, teaching methods and an accessible communication style, she brings the scholarship of the medical humanities in order to create brave spaces for moral reflection and intellectual inquiry.
Narrative Medicine for Gen Z: Helping the New Generation of Learners Connect with Stories as Pedagog
Abstract
This session will equip educators with narrative medicine techniques tailored to Gen Z learners. Participants will explore innovative strategies—art, media, and real-life stories—to enhance clinical empathy, reflection, and connection.
Description
Proposed Skill
Participants will learn how to design and implement narrative medicine-based educational strategies specifically tailored to Gen Z medical learners. Skills will include selecting relevant content, integrating multi-modal media, facilitating reflective dialogue, and using creative formats like art and game theory to foster engagement.
Rationale / Background
Narrative medicine, traditionally grounded in reading and reflective writing, has proven effective in cultivating empathy, communication skills, and reflective capacity. However, Gen Z learners bring a distinct set of preferences and learning styles shaped by digital fluency, visual engagement, and a desire for relevance and inclusion. Generalist medical educators must evolve their narrative strategies to resonate with these learners while preserving the depth and goals of narrative-based education.
The proposed session meets this need by introducing practical, flexible methods that center Gen Z values: bite-sized learning, multimedia storytelling, real-time feedback, and connection to their lived experiences—both as students and as future clinicians.
Learning Activities and Timeline
Time Activity Description
0–5 min Introduction Brief overview of narrative medicine and the Gen Z learner profile.
5–15 min Framing the Shift Small group reflection: “What challenges do you face in engaging Gen Z learners in reflective practice?” Followed by a short video illustrating Gen Z characteristics and preferences.
15–30 min Interactive Demonstrations Participants cycle through 3 short immersive demos:1. Audio micro-story from a real medical student.2. Visual narrative using art or memes.3. Excerpt of a patient story delivered via TikTok-style video. Each demo includes a brief prompt for group reflection.
30–45 min Skill-Building Workshop Small groups choose one clinical theme (e.g., burnout, imposter syndrome, cultural humility) and build a narrative activity around it using non-traditional mediums: collage, spoken word, or simulated patient voice notes.
45–50 min Gallery Walk & Feedback Groups present their work in a 2-minute “gallery walk” style. Facilitator provides rapid-fire coaching on adaptation and implementation.
50–60 min Application and Q&A Whole-group discussion on applying these tools in varied learning environments, followed by Q&A. Participants receive a one-page takeaway with tips, resources, and a framework for future use.
Reference List
1. Charon, R. (2006). Narrative Medicine: Honoring the Stories of Illness. Oxford University Press.
2. Eckleberry-Hunt J, Lick D, Hunt R. Is Medical Education Ready for Generation Z? J Grad Med Educ. 2018 Aug;10(4):378-381. doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-18-00466.1. PMID: 30154963; PMCID: PMC6108364.
3. Patel, P. (2022, May 26). Meeting the Needs of Generation Z in Medical Education. https://connect.sgim.org/viewdocument/meeting-the-needs-of-generation-z-i
2025 Generalists in Medical Education (TGME) Annual Conference Sessionize Event
Julie Kutac
Associate Professor of Instruction, UT System Distinguished Teaching Professor, Dep't of Physician Assistant Studies, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch
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