Improvisation, or Improv, is unscripted theater that involves creating stories out of nothing more than an idea. Medical improv has emerged over two decades as skilled improvisers like Katie Watson, JD at Northwestern University saw the overlap between improv principles and techniques and medical skills and began adapting improv exercises to help clinicians become better communicators and team members.

Although many people are most familiar with improv as comedy, seen on shows like Whose Line is It Anyway?, medical improv matches improv techniques to those used by clinicians to improve patient care.

Getting Started

The foundation of Improv is “Yes, and”, the practice of accepting and building on each other’s ideas. If you pay close attention, you’ll soon realize how often you hear “no” throughout the course of your day. Read more about “Yes, and” below, then try this: Set your personal preferences aside for one whole day and instead say “yes” to what comes your way. Notice the results.

There are many online resources with improv games and exercises. Here are just a few to get you started in the right direction.

Alda, Alan. If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating, New York: Random House, 2017.

Hoffman-Longtin, K. et al. Teaching advocacy communication to pediatric residents: The efficacy of applied improvisational theater as an instructional tool. Comm Ed. 2018: 67(4): 438-59.

Katzman, J. and O’Connor, D. Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform your Life. Berkeley CA: North Atlantic Books, 2018.

Shochet, R. et al. Thinking on My Feet: An Improvisation course to enhance students’ confidence and responsiveness in the medical interview. Educ Prim Care. 2013 Feb; 24(2): 119-24.

Watson, K. Perspective: Serious Play, Teaching Medical Skills with Improvisational Theater Techniques. Acad Med. 2011 Oct; 86(10): 1260-5.