Stanford University School of Medicine
The Robert G. Fenley Writing Awards: Solicited Articles
Gold
In an artfully wrought column that draws from author Adela Wu’s personal experience, “An Act of Love” depicts a grieving family from the perspective of a Chinese-American physician, casting light on the broader issue of honoring cultural values in health care. Wu is currently a neurosurgeon-in-training, and her father’s experience with brain cancer transformed her views of medicine as it is practiced in an increasingly diverse society. Through her family’s story as well as anecdotes drawn from other sources, Wu concludes, “Culture pervades not only customs surrounding death…but also health care delivery, access and communication.” With careful attention to details and through storytelling that is at once lyrical and forthright, Wu succeeds in writing a concise column that speaks volumes and strikes a chord with a wide audience. Following publication in Stanford Medicine Magazine, Wu’s piece inspired many grateful messages expressing readers’ connection with the emotion and meaning underlying “An Act of Love.” Wu was also invited to speak to several intramural and community groups about her experiences and piece.
What was the most impactful part of your entry?
Based on readers’ responses, I believe that my essay captured and described strong emotions related to serious illness and cultural values that resonated with my audience. Readers told me the essay evoked “deep-rooted feelings” and emotions, such as “peace and harmony.” Readers particularly found the connection between culture and health care “meaningful,” “relatable” and “inspiring.”
What challenge did you overcome?
People from both medical and nonmedical backgrounds as well as diverse cultural identities read Stanford Medicine magazine. One challenge that I faced when crafting this essay was how to depict my personal experience about health care in a manner that could reach and touch a broad audience, whether they come from a cultural background similar to mine or have comparable knowledge about medical terminology. “An Act of Love” is ultimately an essay that uses the personal lens to convey the importance of a universal message for its readers, whether or not they hail from medical fields.
Contact:
Alison Peterson
medawards@stanford.edu