Leading Through Stories: Children’s Healthcare Canada Conference

In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting a discussion that sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and healthcare. Pam Kai, Krystle Schofield, and Kristina McGuire, each with their own intimate connection to healthcare as parents and caregivers, joined us to unpack the layers of digital storytelling. These seasoned digital storytellers shared their personal experiences, shedding light on the profound impact that this medium can have on audiences and presenters alike.

Digital storytelling in the healthcare context is not merely about conveying facts or statistics; it is about humanizing the often complex and emotionally charged experiences of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Through the digital medium, these stories are given a visual and auditory life, often becoming more relatable and impactful than words on a page could ever be. Pam’s account of how creating her own digital story helped her see her caregiving role in a new light was particularly powerful, illustrating the personal growth that can come from such an exercise.

The conversation further delved into the evolution of storytelling within the medical realm. Traditionally, patient stories have been shared orally, often in clinical settings or conferences. However, digital storytelling brings a different dimension, using imagery and music to evoke emotions and connect with audiences on a deeper level. This emotional resonance can be a catalyst for change, challenging the status quo of healthcare dynamics and encouraging a more holistic view of what it means to care for and about patients.

The intimate nature of crafting a digital story was also a significant point of discussion. Unlike a live presentation, creating a digital story is a reflective process that allows the storyteller to revisit and refine their narrative, imbuing it with greater meaning each time. Pam’s experience of creating a second digital story highlighted this aspect, as she was able to focus on a different facet of her life and contemplate the impact of sharing it.

Funding and evaluating the impact of digital storytelling in healthcare was another complex topic our guests grappled with. While the emotional and intuitive value of these stories is widely acknowledged, their tangible value is harder to quantify. The conversation acknowledged the need for a balance between the intangible benefits to families and caregivers and the tangible outcomes organizations seek when they invest in such initiatives.

As the podcast wrapped up, we were reminded of the significant role digital storytelling can play in not just shaping the healthcare narrative but also in affecting the well-being of those involved. It is a tool for change, a method for healing, and a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. In the constantly evolving landscape of healthcare, where human experiences are as critical as the treatments provided, digital storytelling stands out as a beacon of hope and understanding.

Our episode is not just a testament to the power of digital storytelling but also a call to action for listeners to consider incorporating it into their healthcare practices. The impact of these narratives goes beyond the confines of a conference or a workshop; they ripple outwards, touching lives and transforming the way we think about health, illness, and care.

We invite you to listen to the full episode to hear more from our guests and to understand the true depth of digital storytelling in healthcare. Join us as we navigate through these compelling narratives and discover how they are reshaping the healthcare experience for patients, families, and professionals alike.

About Leading Through Stories

Everyone has a story to tell—and what we do with that story can create lasting impact. Every episode, Leading Through Stories, helps unravel the how and why of digital storytelling with host Kristy Wolfe.

Life is made up of meaningful moments—which ones do you want to share?

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Digital Stories Belong in Curriculum & Communities with Dr. Mike Lang – Co-Created

A few years ago, we were still explaining to healthcare providers why stories mattered. Now we’re watching digital storytelling get built into a nursing curriculum, shape research plans, and gather real communities around hard conversations. I’m joined by Dr. Mike Lang, founder of Common Language Digital Storytelling and assistant professor in the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing, for a candid update on what has shifted and what’s coming next.Episode Key MessagesMike’s new role in the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing and what it unlocks for digital storytelling in health and wellnessEmbedding digital stories into curriculum for specific learning outcomes and student conversationsStrategic partnerships and why a facilitator collective helps the work spread with qualityUganda milestones and how community-led stories drive maternal, child, and adolescent health changeCalgary Story Slam highlights and how stories open space for hard topics like grief and lossFormat changes for the Story Slam and why live attendance feels differentWhat the Common Language retreat builds through story share, deep craft talk, and momentumGrowth in facilitator training and the increasing involvement of researchersNew initiatives at U of C including Nurse Story, the Healing Lens Research Lab, and research on SIDS grief supportMike’s next meaningful moment idea and why noticing it mattersOther Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postWatch the 2026 Common Language Story SlamLearn more about the work in Uganda & East AfricaAbout Our GuestDr. Michael Lang is an Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research) in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary and Director of the Healing Lens Research Lab, a transdisciplinary research and creative practice lab dedicated to advancing documentary film and digital storytelling as rigorous, ethical, and impactful methodologies in health and wellness contexts. Situated within the Faculty of Nursing, the Lab brings together health researchers, clinicians, filmmakers, digital storytelling facilitators, educators, and community partners to explore how stories, when created and mobilized with care, can shape education, influence practice, and support individual and collective wellbeing. Dr. Lang’s work sits at the intersection of health research, documentary filmmaking, and knowledge translation, with a particular focus on how narrative and visual practices can deepen understanding of illness, caregiving, patient experience, and human flourishing. Over the past fifteen years, he has facilitated the creation of more than 1,000 digital stories with patients, family caregivers, healthcare providers, students, and community members, and has trained over 100 facilitators through Common Language Digital Storytelling, an international organization he founded to support ethical storytelling practice in healthcare, education, and community settings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. Digital Stories Belong in Curriculum & Communities with Dr. Mike Lang 29:05
2. What Changes When We Treat Stories Like Data with Dr. Katharine Smart 26:36
3. Through Her Lens: Cameras For Girls with Amina Mohamed 24:36
4. Double the Magic: Storytelling for Healing and Impact with Melody Williamson 31:57
5. When Science Meets Story: Lessons from a PhD Defense with Becky McCall 35:57

Common Language DST facilitator trainings are open for registration.
Learn more here.