Numinous Games: That Dragon, Cancer
Discussion Questions
How did the creators’ choice of medium influence the story’s impact? Do you feel this video conjures more empathic distress or empathic concern?
In clinical education do you feel there is value to simulating the experience of a patient/family’s journey with serious illness? Why or why not?
What has been most effective for you in striking a balance between empathizing with your patients and protecting yourself from burnout?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“My impression was that the game takes you inside the story and lets you experience the feelings of Joel's family, hope, of fear, of insecurity. That's what to me makes it so powerful. It seems like such a gift to be allowed to share this journey.” —@OdyO11
“I interactive mediums for storytelling. I think if the focus remains on the storytelling over the stimulation, it works best. That’s why “That Dragon, Cancer” is so effective. It is artful in every part of the experience, often taking the emotions to abstraction.” —@danimarietaylor
“I believe there is value, but students have to be in a safe/brave space in which to process the experience in a way that allows for vulnerability and honest reflection. Are we creating such spaces in our classrooms/clinics to promote such vulnerability?” —@jeremiahdmd
About this #MedHumChat
“That Dragon, Cancer” was paired with The War for Kindness for a #MedHumChat on October 21, 2020 on Calibrating Empathy.
The pieces for this chat as well as the discussion questions were curated by Matthew Tyler (@PalliDad).
About the Creators
Numinous Games is a team of video game developers that includes Ryan and Amy Green, who share the story of their son Joel in “That Dragon, Cancer.” Ryan is a programmer and game developer. Amy is a writer, speaker and stand up comedian.