Why a joint institute of medical humanities?
A joint academic institute between SingHealth and Duke-NUS was created in October 2023 to drive the development of medical humanities in both these institutions. Prof Victor Dzau, a member of our Academic Medicine Advisory Council proposed a bench to bedside to population to society model that extends the academic mission to population health and social responsibility. In this model, a convergence approach is needed to engage non-health disciplines to address community health and equity with a commitment to social responsibility and the greater good. He proposed that future clinicians should be educated to become community-oriented and socially connected. They should be taught not only to provide direct care, but also to provide scientific, medical and social leadership.
These ideas have been echoed by the Association of American Medical Colleges in its publication of “The Fundamental Role of the Arts and Humanities in Medical Education. ” There is a belief that the arts and the humanities can play a unique and unrealised role in preparing and equipping physicians for 21st century challenges. Practical steps forward include the assertion that the practice of medicine is an art as well as a science, requiring a grounding in humanistic values, principles, and skills. Increased collaboration among medical professionals, arts organisations, creative arts therapists, artists, humanities scholars, and patients needs to be fostered.
The SingHealth Duke-NUS Medical Humanities Institute is envisioned to connect the academic strengths of Duke-NUS Medical School with the clinical wealth of the SingHealth institutions. It is with this bold vision that we venture foward with a community of committed pioneers.
