Annie Brewster is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, a practicing physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and the founder and executive director of Health Story Collaborative. She is co-author of "The Healing Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Narrative to Navigate Illness, Trauma and Loss."
Recently published
The opioid epidemic has claimed 500,000 lives. These stories need to be heard
In the end, the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma don't matter, writes Annie Brewster. For the victims, the chance to be heard provides an opportunity for healing.
Listening To Patients: Living With Terminal Cancer
When Chris Davie learned that a brain tumor would leave him just months left to live, he set out to record his story, and leave a message for his two...
Listening To Patients: Slowly Recovering From Sexual Abuse By A Teacher
Dr. Annie Brewster spoke with Daniel, who was molested by a teacher in middle school. She writes: "He is a survivor of trauma, and so much more. No one part...
Commentary: Getting Off Psych Meds Was The 'Hardest Thing' She'd Ever Done
"Every patient is unique, and there is still so much we don’t know," writes Dr. Annie Brewster, after relaying a woman's story navigating the mental health system.
The Face Of Opioid Addiction: Vinnie, A 'Regular' Guy From Revere
Ultimately, it was a pharmacist who put a stop to Vinnie’s opioid use by refusing to fill his prescription.
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Traumatic Turning Point: How The Marathon Bombing Shifted One Woman's Depression
Something changed on the finish line at the Boston Marathon in 2013. It was, Jennifer says, “a turning point” in her life, but not in the ways you might expect.
Making Peace With My Abnormal Brain
First, my brain images tell a clear story. My disease is progressive. While on the outside I feel great and full of energy, these pictures show me that there is...
From Crushing Infertility To Letting Go Of 'How It Should Be'
Dr. Annie Brewster's interview with Sue Levy, a patient with a rare lung disease who also went through an infertility ordeal -- but now has two daughters and the wisdom...
Life Lessons From An Ultra Rare, Potentially Fatal Disease
What if you were suddenly diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease just when your life, work and marriage were on track and your plans to start a family were underway?...
Storytelling For Health: Doctor Promotes Intimate Patient Narratives
Dr. Annie Brewster says: "My experience in the health care system -- both as a physician and as a patient living with multiple sclerosis -- has convinced me that the...