Work

Communicating in Verse: How Reading Poetry Can Expand How We Care for Patients

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: It is a foundational principle of medical humanities that the appreciation of literature and other humanities enrich and expand medical training. But what are the mechanisms by which this happens? As a faculty member and former medical student, who met during an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional 5-session poetry seminar, we reflect on how poetry enriches our own experiences working with patients, as well as how we care for patients. Reading poetry in medicine has the potential to enhance observational skills, model an appreciation of uncertainties, and generate joy. Similar to our seminar, other institutions may also consider incorporating poetry into curricula.

Source: Journal of Medical Humanities

DOI: 10.1007/s10912-024-09898-2

Authors: Tulsi R. Patel, Joshua Hauser

Institutions: University of California San Diego, Northwestern University, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Empathy and Medical Education

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090