Rosemarie Dombrowski, the inaugural poet laureate of Phoenix and a nationally recognized leader in the field of poetic medicine, will lead a free workshop titled “Writing for Wellness: A Poetic Medicine Approach” on Wednesday, April 23, at the Georgia T. Lord Library in Goodyear.

The adult-focused program will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room, located at 1900 N. Civic Square. The event is open to the public.

The workshop will explore the history and practice of poetic medicine, a therapeutic approach that uses poetry as a tool for healing, self-reflection and emotional expression. According to program materials, participants will engage in guided reading and writing exercises aimed at reframing personal narratives and addressing the impacts of stress, illness, grief and aging.

Poetic medicine is considered a form of narrative medicine, which emphasizes the role of storytelling in health and well-being. It is often practiced in community settings, offering individuals a way to process complex experiences through creative expression. Research has shown that writing and reading poetry can enhance resiliency, reduce stress and promote emotional clarity.

Dombrowski is the founding director of Revisionary Arts, a nonprofit that facilitates therapeutic poetry workshops for vulnerable populations and the broader community. Her work as a medical humanist spans classrooms, healthcare systems and public institutions, with workshops offered to caregivers, healthcare professionals, dementia patients, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

She is a teaching professor at Arizona State University and an assistant professor of practice at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, where she serves as the faculty editor of “Grey Matter,” the school’s medical poetry journal. Her public speaking engagements include presentations at the Mayo Clinic, Banner University Medical Center, and the Arizona Department of Health Services, among others.

Dombrowski 's work has been featured by national outlets including NPR and PBS, and she has received numerous honors, including a fellowship from the Academy of American Poets, the Arizona Humanities Outstanding Speaker Award, and a Leader of the Year recognition. 

Visit mcldaz.org for more information about the event.