Art and Medicine

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So many things have been “thrown at” burnout in healthcare, maybe we need to try art? Does that sound outlandish? Maybe ART can heal??

Art and Medicine, Could ART of all things help “cure” Burnout?


So many things have been “thrown at” burnout in healthcare, maybe we need to try art? Does that sound outlandish? I have been investigating the topic of art and medicine as I dabble in art personally and I enjoy seeing art in museums and other locations. While I look at and create art I have this lovely sensation of peacefulness, focus and joy. I have this habit of throwing art parties in my home for women and my favorite part is that we all sit down, chat, laugh and all experience the uncomfortable stages of trying something new and supporting each other through it. I love the sense of satisfaction and togetherness as projects come to life through the help of others. I tend to see folks say “I am so bad at art” and they create the most beautiful objects and have fun. I, personally, am not a fan of the wine and art nights as I do not like to create the same thing with a group, I like to be given freedom to create a unique product. That is just me!

Back to art and medicine… as I looked around in the public press and literature I found some interesting things:

  1. An art appreciation class of music and reflection of the music, has been taught at Harvard medical school with positive outcomes, “The arts and humanities program encouraged student reflection on profound questions in medicine related to empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity. “ (1)

  2. Medical physicists have reached out to the arts due to this statement: “The arts inspire, challenge, delight, & help put a scientific life in perspective.” (2)

  3. Neurosurgeons have seen the value of intertwining art and surgical planning: ”Although art, science and philosophy are different disciplines, they support each other from time to time, sometimes they intertwine and sometimes they copy each other.” (3)

  4. The plastic surgeons have acknowledged how art and the science of plastic surgery started centuries ago; “anatomy, drawing, painting and sculpting have been very important to surgery and medicine” (4)

These 4 studies, out of many, show us that art can indeed have positive outcomes for medical learners, scientists and physicians of a variety of backgrounds. When was the last time you gave yourself time to experience art, to slow down, listen, watch and delight in the experience? It seems like centuries of art and medicine have intertwined and now may be a moment to let art lead us to healing.

Share your thoughts, I would love to hear your experiences with art or how you may try one new thing today to slow down, listen to the music, stare at art or get out a crayon and doodle. Delight awaits.

PS- I am planning an art evening for Women Docs 11/30 in the Cleveland area, what would you love to see and experience that evening? Can’t wait!

PSS- Free Productivity Tips so you can get to your art more quickly!

Free Brain based Productivity Tips for all- enjoy!

https://brain-fresh.newzenler.com/f/10-brain-based-productivity-tips

Mary

thebrainfresh@gmail.com



References:

1. Harz D, Schwartz AW, Lee T, Jones DS, Hundert EM, Wong LM, et al. Learning Harmony: Medical Student Reflections on the Intersection of the Arts & Humanities and Medicine, A Mixed Methods Study. Health Prof Educ. 2023 Apr 21;9(2):72–81.

2. Malone J. Reflections and images: A place for art in medical physics? Phys Med. 2022 Jun;98:63–79.

3. Okten AI. Minimalism in art, medical science and neurosurgery. Turk Neurosurg [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2023 Nov 5]; Available from: http://www.turkishneurosurgery.org.tr/summary_en_doi.php3?doi=10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.18855-16.1

4. Fernandes JW, Metka S. Art and Plastic Surgery. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016 Apr;40(2):331–3.

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