Healing Ink™

Healing Ink™

Writing & Storytelling in Healthcare: the Primer

Maximum impact...

...in a short piece

Dr. Maria Simbra's avatar
Dr. Maria Simbra
Mar 19, 2025
∙ Paid

Hello, Doctor.

Writing about your experiences in healthcare may seem complicated and involved. This can be a challenge when publications are looking for short pieces. However, even when you’re writing micro or flash, you can still pack a punch.

For a personal essay or short memoir in 500 words, you’ll want to distill a significant moment into its most potent essence.

boy standing in front of lamp

Here's a strategy:

  • Focus on a single theme or event.

  • Start with a hook.

  • Use sensory details.

  • Employ strong verbs and concise language.

  • Structure with a clear narrative arc.

  • Show, don’t tell.

  • End with resonance.

Read on for more on each of these points and get an example outline.

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