literature
Why Medicine Needs Literary Magazines
As we face a clinical landscape ever more automated by algorithms and artificial intelligence, it is even more imperative that we in medicine train ourselves to understand the metaphors that patients harness as they attempt to convey their inner experience to us; otherwise we will fall short on the diagnosis. We need to hone our skills to capture the story that the patient is living; otherwise our treatments may never fully succeed. I can’t say that a literary magazine is the perfect prescription for every ailment, but it covers a lot of ground. And it almost never causes dry mouth or palpitations. Except, of course, when it’s a page-turner. More
BLR Spring Reading: Issue 50
Watch BLR’s annual spring reading, featuring stunning poems, stories, and essays, including the winners of the 2026 BLR Literary Prizes. Hosted by BLR editors Danielle Ofri and Saleem Hue Penny More
Danielle Ofri interviews playwright Sarah Ruhl
Sarah Ruhl–acclaimed playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, MacArthur “genius” — joins BLR editor-in-chief Danielle Ofri for a fascinating conversation about her life, her career, and her extraordinary journey to reclaim her own face. Her book, “Smile,” was a New York Times best-seller. More
BLR Turns 20!
For 20 years, “Bellevue Literary Review” has been at the forefront of publishing at intersection of healthcare and the arts. BLR publishes fiction, poetry, and nonfiction about health, illness, and healing. Watch the historic celebration. Co-hosted by BLR editor-in-chief Danielle Ofri and actor Kelly AuCoin More
