Storytelling as a Pathway to Empathy: A Conversation with Maria Smilios

January 26, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom

Sponsored by Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences

REGISTER HERE

Join Maria Smilios and Dr. Alexis Travis, assistant vice president and assistant provost for University Health and Wellbeing, as they explore how storytelling can foster empathy and deepen understanding of health equity in an interview based on the historical and ethical dimensions of "The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Black Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis." 

Maria Smilios is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and adjunct lecturer at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "The Black Angels" won the 2024 Christopher Award in literature, which celebrates works that “affirm the highest values of the human spirit.” New York City and State honored Maria for “outstanding service” and “positive contribution” to the people of New York.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the role of systemic inequities and structural racism in shaping historical and contemporary health outcomes related to tuberculosis.
2. Analyze how storytelling can be used as a tool for cultivating empathy and addressing compassion fatigue among healthcare providers.
3. Evaluate the ethical implications of bearing witness to patient and community experiences as part of equitable healthcare delivery.
4. Reflect on the importance of narrative and cultural humility in advancing person-centered care.

Target Audience:
Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers, and MSU CON faculty and students.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Through this interactive session, participants will be invited to connect historical narratives with the contemporary pursuit of justice in health and healing. Recognizing the humanity in these stories will deepen our collective commitment to equitable care and compassionate practice.

This activity meets requirements for 1.5 hours State of Michigan Implicit Bias Training. Participants who register, engage in the learning activity, and complete the post-session evaluation will receive a contact hour certificate via the email address provided at registration.

Michigan State University College of Nursing is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

QUESTIONS

For questions, please contact CON.Nurse.CE@msu.edu.