Narrative medicine is an emerging discipline that emphasizes listening to patients’ stories through a structured pedagogical approach designed to strengthen relational skills. Previous studies have shown associations with increased empathy and reflexivity, as well as reduced burnout, but little is known about the long-term persistence of these effects. In 2014–2015, XXX University introduced the first mandatory narrative medicine module, for 400 fourth-year medical students.To explore the impact of that training on their professional practice ten years later.We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews with physicians who had taken the mandatory course in 2014–2015. Data were analyzed using an approach informed by interpretative phenomenological analysis.Ten former students participated. They described a lasting influence on their practice, including attentive listening, enhanced empathy, expression of emotional experiences, and a stronger reflexive stance. Thematic analysis identified seven superordinate themes: expressing emotions to improve care; valuing listening as a therapeutic act; underestimating the course due to exam prioritization and limited conceptual clarity; requiring practical and sustained application of narrative medicine; reconciling academic demands with humanistic training; envisioning narrative medicine collections for patients and clinicians; and valuing experiential learning.To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the effects of narrative medicine can persist ten years after training, despite methodological limitations related to the relatively brief interview duration (mean 37 minutes). The skills described align closely with those expected in general practice, emphasizing patient-centered listening and attention to patients’ lived experiences. These findings also provide insights for developing training in qualitative research within primary care. The use of standardized tools, such as the Narrative Competence Scale, may further strengthen the assessment of narrative medicine’s impact.Ten years after their training, physicians still retain a lasting imprint of narrative medicine. They highlight attentive listening, reflexivity, and emotional expression as key resources for professional fulfilment. Integrating this approach progressively and consistently into the medical curriculum—together with aligned assessment strategies—may enhance its impact and foster more humane and relationally attuned care.