Doctors and patients find healing in medical poetry

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

On the surface, poetry and medicine may not seem like likely companions. But many of the concerns of physicians and patients -- life and death, struggle and hope -- have also been the regular themes of poets through the ages.

Many medical doctors have also tried their hand at poetry -- the most notable being William Carlos Williams, who is better known for his poetry than his medical practice.

April is National Poetry Month, and Dr. Jon Hallberg shared his annual selection of medical poetry with Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 04/18/2006, 6:18 p.m.