This session will present highlights of the winning submissions to the Creative Writing and Visual Art Contest for Medical Students and Residents, Creating Space 16, 2026. It will explore how the theme of identity inspired diverse and inspirational interpretations from contest participants. It is also a testament to how the humanities - particularly writing and art - allow for emotional and aesthetic expression in medical education.

Lynn F. Bloom, BA(Hons Psych) MSW RSW is a registered social worker/psychotherapist, currently in private practice, with training in narrative medicine and fine art. Lynn has taught interviewing skills and narrative medicine to medical students and residents, and has worked as project advisor to undergraduate medical students and faculty at The University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine in the development of the Humanities and Narrative Medicine Programs, Art Shows, Art Wall, Art Books and literary magazine, Murmurs.

COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations

This session will present highlights of the winning submissions to the Creative Writing and Visual Art Contest for Medical Students and Residents, Creating Space 16, 2026. It will explore how the theme of identity inspired diverse and inspirational interpretations from contest participants. It is also a testament to how the humanities - particularly writing and art - allow for emotional and aesthetic expression in medical education.

Keith Wong is a 4th-year medical student at the University of Ottawa. He was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, and he has a BSc in General Science from the University of Windsor. He will start his family medicine residency in Belleville, Ontario, in July 2026.

COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations