We are fundraising to secure the continuation of The Examined Life Journal: A Literary Publication of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, one of the most successful literary journals associated with a medical school. As we move into 2025, the work of the journal and its embrace of our fragility and brokenness are of vital importance. We must continue sharing our stories, listening to the voices of those navigating the complexities of illness and wellness, developing our empathy, encouraging compassion, and striving to help those in need. Your monetary donations will help us achieve this goal.
Since the Spring of 2011, the Journal has published nonfiction, fiction, and poetry that address the complexities of health, illness, medicine, and the human experiences underpinning it all. The Journal, which accepts submissions from across the world, provides important literary publication opportunities for medical students. It is also a tool for discussion and education around the patient experience, empathy, and the rigors of medicine. It has been a cornerstone in the history of the Humanities and Writing program at Carver College of Medicine (CCOM). This literary journal highlights the strong medical programs and literary presence that are unique to the University of Iowa.
The Examined Life Journal is an asset to the CCOM and its students. The Journal includes in its publication the annually selected winners of the Carol A. Bowman Creative Writing Contest for Medical Students. Iowa medical student, and Bowman winner, William Moody’s essay, “The Well,” was published in Volume 12 of The Examined Life Journal this fall. The collaborative work between The Examined Life Journal and Iowa Magazine allowed Moody’s piece, which addresses experiences as both cancer patient and medical student, to be further featured in the September online issue of the Iowa Magazine.
The covers for The Examined Life Journal Volumes 11 and 12 featured the artwork of CCOM medical students, Nolan Redetzke and Karl Wilson. The editorial staff continues to seek work from CCOM students that can be featured both in the journal and on its cover.
The Examined Life Journal has long been recognized for literary excellence. The recent Medicine and Humanities Celebration featured guest speaker Dr. Mgbechi U. Erondu. Dr Erondu is an alumna of the Iowa Writers Workshop and CCOM. Her story, “Rabid Morula Seed (RMS)” was published in the Fall, 2011 issue of The Examined Life Journal.
The Journal’s work and recognition also extend beyond CCOM; both national and international submissions are received by the editorial staff. Though the Journal has consistently included writing from medical students, the largest portion of the Journal features work from nonstudent writers and poets, many of whom are extensively published in medical and literary journals such as JAMA, Colorado Review, River Teeth, Washington Post, and Intima. This December, four pieces from Volume 11 and two from Volume 12 were submitted for consideration in the Pushcart Prize Anthology. The Examined Life Journal was also submitted to the editorial staff of Best American Essays for consideration in their annual anthology.
Despite these successes and contributions, the Journal’s future is in jeopardy.
We must reiterate, that as we move into 2025 the work of the Journal and its embrace of our fragility and brokenness are of vital importance. We must continue sharing our stories, listening to the voices of those navigating the complexities of illness and wellness, developing our empathy, encouraging compassion, and striving to help those in need.
We thank you for your donations, which will ensure the continuation of The Examined Life.
Sincerely,
The Examined Life Journal, editorial staff:
Kerri Goers, MSN, MFA, Editor-in Chief
Bruce Brown, MD, Emeritus Editor-in Chief
Carol Scott-Connor, MD, MBA, PhD, Fiction Editor
Brittany Bettendorf, MD, MFA, Nonfiction Editor
Serena J. Fox, MD, Poetry Editor
NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.
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