This interactive keynote will dive head first into the waves of this pandemic and past epidemics as Cunningham uses narrative medicine practices and storytelling to examine what growth we've experienced, despite it all. The five aspects of post-traumatic growth will guide Cunningham's talk, in which he will share stories of impossible survival and practices that may help you survive the mental tolls of the COVID-19 pandemic. From thinking about self-wellness practice to necessary system changes, you will leave this keynote thinking differently and hopefully with your own, authentic ideas about how you will continue to persevere and succeed.

Tim Cunningham tells us about his experience as an Ebola medic in Sierra Leone and what it taught him about compassion. He’s worked in a handful of countries outside of the U.S. with Clowns Without Borders, performing shows and workshops for children and families having been displaced and disrupted by greed-based, man-made disasters, such as war and poverty. While working with Clowns Without Borders, he was inspired to become a nurse and has since worked as an emergency nurse in the U.S. and other humanitarian settings. Tim Cunningham is still trying to figure out what he’d like to be when he grows up. Originally from Waynesboro, VA, he’s lived in many different places and worn a few different hats. He’s worked in a handful of countries outside of the U.S. with Clowns Without Borders, performing shows and workshops for children and families having been displaced and disrupted by greed-based, manmade disasters, such as war and poverty. While working with Clowns Without Borders, he was inspired to become a nurse and has since worked as an emergency nurse in the U.S. and other humanitarian settings. When he lived in Charlottesville, Tim was the Director of the Compassionate Care Initiative at the University of Virginia and taught in UVA’s School of Nursing and Department of Drama. Currently, he's the Director of Patient and Family Centered Care at Emory Healthcare, where he too frequently has to wear a suit. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Tim Cunningham was one of several speakers on Oct. 20 at "Double Take," an event that showcased storytelling as part of President Jim Ryan's inauguration at the University of Virginia.