The renaissance of the humanities in medicine promises hope for both healthcare and the professionals involved in its delivery. It is a renaissance of sorts because it was commonplace for physicians in the early 20th century to have had a liberal arts education before turning to medical training. Exponential developments in the natural sciences and the power that has prevailed over death and disease diverted attention towards a biomedical model of illness. Nevertheless, iconic physicians since William Osler have foreseen and warned against the dangers of an asymmetric approach.
Despite all the technological and scientific mastery, the practice of medicine cannot be distracted from the care of persons. Beyond the biology of their bodies, patients bring with them widely variable and complex biographies. Using the narrative experiences of both patients and caregivers through art, poetry and drama, the humanities provide perspectives and solutions to many of the challenges that healthcare faces. We are driven to reflect on fundamental concepts such as what the goals of medicine are, how it should be practiced, and what values define professional identity. Moreover, the humanities show us how to make sense of deep emotions when providing care at the bedside.
Excerpt from “The Medical Humanities: Reconnecting with the soul of medicine” by Dr Ong Eng Koon and Dr Anantham Devanand. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2019 Jul;48(7):233-237.
Left: Featuring artworks from A Night to Remember 2020.
