Humanities in medical training and education

Abstract

This paper explores how current developments within medical humanities might provide a way to both understand and address the origin of recent events that have left the profession branded as arrogant, out of touch and misguided 2. The arts provide a powerful medium to improve the understanding of the experience of illness. Furthermore the understanding obtained is qualitatively different from that acquired in the traditional doctor-patient encounter. In addition medical humanities can create a space for doctors to reflect on their own practice and experiences. The benefits of using this space are illustrated with four examples of arts-based education delivered to groups of practitioners at different stages in their professional lives.