Learning Harmony: Medical Student Reflections on the Intersection of the Arts & Humanities and Medicine, A Mixed Methods Study

Authors

Dominique Harz, Student from the Master’s in Science in Medical Education program at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and an Instructor of Orthodontics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, ChileFollow
Andrea Wershof Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Truelian Lee, Student in the Harvard Medical School class of 2025.
David S. Jones, Professor of the Culture of Medicine, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; and Director of the Arts and Humanities, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Edward M. Hundert, Dean for Medical Education and the Daniel D. Federman, M.D. Professor in Residence of Global Health and Social Medicine and Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Lisa M. Wong, Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Co-Director of the Arts and Humanities Initiative, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Susan E. Pories, Associate Professor of Surgery, Mount Auburn Hospital; and Co-Director of the Arts and Humanities Initiative, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Abstract

Background. The arts and humanities form a critical part of medical education. In this study, we explore medical students' reflections following an arts and humanities experience. An intensive day and a half long program focused on music and reflection was designed for first-year students at Harvard Medical School. Methods. Students completed an evaluation of the experience with both open-ended and Likert scale questions. Data were analyzed using a mixed methods approach. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and inductive content analysis for qualitative data. Results. 168 first-year medical and dental students participated in the activity. Survey response rate was 73% (n=122). Quantitatively, the overall quality of the experience was assessed at a mean value of 4.86 points (SD=0.37 points) out of a maximum of 5, with 5 being excellent. The qualitative evaluation illustrated how the arts and humanities experience encouraged students to reflect on their leadership and doctoring skills, taking a holistic approach to their medical education, and integrating the lessons of the arts and humanities into their medical practice. Conclusion. The arts and humanities program encouraged student reflection on profound questions in medicine related to empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity. This experience broadened students’ perspectives regarding the relationship between medicine and the arts and humanities.

Recommended Citation

Harz, Dominique; Schwartz, Andrea Wershof; Lee, Truelian; Jones, David S.; Hundert, Edward M.; Wong, Lisa M.; and Pories, Susan E. (2023) "Learning Harmony: Medical Student Reflections on the Intersection of the Arts & Humanities and Medicine, A Mixed Methods Study," Health Professions Education: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://hpe.researchcommons.org/journal/vol9/iss2/3