Family Practice Management Journal
Alaska Native people, the indigenous people of Alaska, have long and rich traditions. Storytelling is one of these traditions. When someone tells his or her story and invites others to tell theirs, knowledge and understanding are gained. Sharing stories can teach, motivate, admonish, inspire and create personal relationships.
Southcentral Foundation (SCF), the Alaska Native-owned nonprofit health care system located in Anchorage, Alaska, has a story to tell. Ten years ago, SCF was a typical, inefficient health care system. Patients had to wait weeks to get an appointment and had to wait again when coming into the office. Care was impersonal. Patients often saw a different provider at each appointment. Patients weren't happy, staff weren't happy and doctors weren't happy.