"Chammas describes her patient as 'the leaf clinging fiercely to the tree,' illustrating the strength and determination of individuals facing terminal illness. The poem captures a moment of liberation as the patient, surrounded by loved ones, experiences a fleeting sense of freedom."
"The Poetic Medicine programme at UCSF aims to cultivate spaces where voices are valued, connections are made, and healing is nurtured. Participants from around the world engage in sharing and creating poetry, fostering a sense of community and support."
"Chammas states, 'The humanities are foundational to my ability to do my clinical work,' highlighting how poetry allows her to accompany patients through unthinkable experiences, making it as crucial as her medical knowledge."
"Chammas believes that science and poetry do not negate each other, asserting that they can coexist and enhance understanding in a culture often defined by binary oppositions like healthy or sick, living or dying."
Danielle Chammas, a palliative-care physician, wrote a poem after saying goodbye to a cancer patient. Her work emphasizes the importance of poetry in healthcare, particularly in grief. Chammas co-directs the Poetic Medicine programme at UCSF, which encourages participants to engage with poetry for healing. She believes that the humanities are essential to her clinical practice, allowing her to support patients through difficult experiences. Chammas argues that science and poetry complement each other, enriching the understanding of life and death.
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