Kwento Box Podcast: Sharing Stories, Community

Overview

During Filipino American History Month, resident physicians at CYFAM launched Kwento Box, a podcast and video storytelling project that celebrated identity, community, and reflection in medicine. The series created space for Filipino American physicians to share their experiences through the lens of kwentuhan — story-sharing that builds empathy and connection.

• My Role: Mentorship, filming and editing guidance, guest speaker, and resource setup within CYFAM

• Collaborators: CYFAM resident physicians and staff

• Audience: Filipino American medical trainees and community members

The Challenge

Many early-career physicians — especially Filipino Americans — have few spaces to reflect on how heritage shapes their practice. Demanding schedules and institutional cultures often leave little room for personal storytelling or cultural dialogue. The project aimed to empower residents to use creative media to explore identity and connection while honoring their professional and community commitments.

Theory of Change

If physicians could tell their own stories through culturally rooted frameworks like kwentuhan, they could strengthen both community bonds and personal resilience. As mentor, I supported the residents through concept development, filming, and editing, ensuring each story reflected authenticity and care. The podcast used narrative as both a reflective practice and a form of public health communication — showing that storytelling is part of healing for both the teller and the listener.

Impact

Kwento Box became a platform for visibility and solidarity within Filipino American medicine. Residents reported renewed pride in their heritage and greater understanding of how identity influences care. The episodes were shared through CYFAM and Filipino American History Month events, expanding conversations on culture, representation, and wellness. The project demonstrated how mentorship and storytelling can nurture belonging and community health — reminding us that healing has many voices.