Poet’s Corner Featuring Poetry from Writers in the Medical Field

For this topically focused edition of Poet’s Corner, it will be an event celebrating the intersection of medicine and poetry. It is set to take place on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 7-8pm at the esteemed Harambee Auditorium on the campus of Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, TN. This unique evening will feature renowned poets who not only excel in their medical careers but also possess a profound talent for crafting poignant verse.

Among the distinguished poets headlining this event are Brenda Butka, Brian Christman, and Julie Sumner. Dr. Brenda Butka, a retired physician, has been honing her craft, delving into the nuances of ordinary life and profound philosophical inquiries. Her work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as The Threepenny Review, Florida Review, and POEM. Dr. Butka’s unique perspective on time and epistemology promises to captivate audiences.

Julie Sumner, a writer with a diverse background in healthcare, now channels her experiences into teaching creative writing, emphasizing poetry as a tool for resilience. Her poetry and reviews have been featured in numerous publications, and her chapbook, “Meridian,” earned acclaim as the winner of the 2023 con/verge/nces Prize from Wildhouse Publishing. With an MFA in poetry from Seattle-Pacific University, Sumner brings a wealth of insight to the stage.

Dr. Brian Christman, a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt University, serves as Chief, Medicine/Specialty Care at VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System (adjacent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center). With over 30 years of experience in patient care, research, and medical education at Vanderbilt, Dr. Christman’s journey into poetry began around a decade ago. His evocative verse has been published in esteemed journals such as Annals of Internal Medicine, The Pharos, Chest, and Vanderbilt’s Tabula Rasa and Post-Call. Dr. Christman has also been instrumental in teaching Narrative Medicine blocks for post-graduate trainees in Internal Medicine for the past five years, enriching the medical community with his literary insight.

Poet’s Corner promises to be an evening of inspiration and reflection.

Poet’s Corner is open to the public, welcoming poetry enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, and anyone with a passion for the written word. Attendees can expect an engaging hour of readings and insight into the minds of these multifaceted individuals.

About Scarritt Bennett Center: Scarritt Bennett Center is a nonprofit education, retreat, and conference center with a rich history of empowering individuals for social transformation. Located in Nashville, TN, the center provides a welcoming space for dialogue, learning, and community engagement.

Here are the links to the lives for May 23rd.