Medicine and the muse: Opportunities for connection through education, research and shared experience

Abstract

Introduction: The Stanford Medicine and the Muse: Medical Humanities and the Arts Program is based at a research intensive medical school, which trains physician-scientists and lauds bench and translational scientific endeavours. However, traits which lead to scientific excellence, such as curiosity and interest in interdisciplinary work, are also traits necessary for innovation in health humanities. The Program began over 15 years ago as a bud of a research grant program for Stanford medical students. Initial emphasis on arts and humanities scholarly work as a track in medical education led to a multi-pronged Program with education, research, community-building and outreach missions. Methodology: Three of the multiple components of the Program will be examined. 1. The Biomedical Ethics and Medical Humanities Scholarly Concentration which has supported over 120 medical student projects. A qualitative study of alumni of the Scholarly Concentration is currently being analysed 2. Cross-disciplinary elective courses such as The Art of Observation, held in the University‘s art museums with peer-peer interactions between medical and art history graduate students. 3. Community-building through creative writing and literature discussion groups for medical students, health professionals, and the support of Pegasus Physician Writers. Discussion: By initiating the Stanford Medicine and the Muse Program as part of the research mission at the medical school, the Program gained traction in the local culture. Networking across the University and beyond enables meaningful exchange and new opportunities. Program expansion, including writing and literature groups, respond to needs for community building and wellness experiences.