Camino de Santiago de Compostela: An Inspiring Journey
In April and May of 2023, I walked the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimages that lead to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Dating back to the 9th century, today the pilgrimages attract more than 200,000 pilgrims each year. Pilgrims walk, cycle, or travel on horseback for a variety of reasons, some religious and spiritual, and many out of curiosity and a sense of adventure.
For 30 days, I walked over 800 kilometers on the Camino del Norte, a route which hugs the northern coastline of the Iberian peninsula before turning inland and ending in Santiago.
I found the experience to be physically challenging, at times emotionally difficult, and overall, spiritually uplifting. As I walked for many hours each day, I contemplated a variety of ideas, concepts, and dilemmas – personal and professional. I share my thoughts through images and conversations recorded on journey. Perhaps you will recognize parts of yourself in these reflections.
The Healer’s Journey
Students of Medicine take an arduous journey that reflects the path of their fellow humans for whom they vow to provide care. A voyage of transformation on every level, the changes they undergo reflect a deep engagement with the science, art and responsibilities of being present to and caring for aging, illness, and death, while also caring for themselves.
The Healer’s Journey is a film that follows the path of the medical student, the physician in training and the practicing physician through critical experiences of training and medical practice over the course of four years.