The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) has found that incorporating the study of arts into medical education can enhance the empathy and understanding of future doctors. Anson Koshy, MD, MBE, who serves as artist-in-residence at the John P. McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics in McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, advocates for this approach.
Dr. Koshy leads initiatives such as the Arts and Resilience Lecture Series and the Graduate Medical Education Certificate Program in Humanities and Ethics. He explains that engaging with art allows individuals to reflect on their responses, fostering self-awareness. "One way to learn about yourself is to notice your literal response to things," said Koshy. This self-reflection can translate into improved patient interactions by allowing physicians to adopt different perspectives.
Artistic engagement provides a platform for students to explore nonverbal communication and address biases. “We can think about how we communicate with patients nonverbally and how we interpret nonverbal communication in return,” Koshy stated. Such skills are crucial for accurate patient assessments.
A 2018 paper from Heart Views of the Gulf Health Association supports this approach, noting that exposure to arts can make medical students more thoughtful listeners, aiding informed decision-making in their practice.
Koshy emphasizes the importance of mindfulness through artistic practices amid the distractions faced by physicians. "Paying attention to performance art and having the opportunity to unplug...allows us space to practice just being present," he explained.
UTHealth Houston is actively supporting these educational efforts while sponsoring cultural events like Alley Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol.”
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