Medical Humanities
Certificate Program

Overview

In February, 2007, the John P. McGovern, M.D. Center for Health, Humanities, and the Human Spirit (McGovern Center) launched a new Medical Humanities Certificate Program. The program offers medical students the opportunity to enrich their medical education by study and involvement in the humanities through participation in elective courses, a speaker series, community outreach opportunities, writing workshops, and directed research programs.

Why enroll?

Medicine must be viewed as both art and science. It is not only the art of understanding and caring for those who are sick; it also requires that we see an individual's disease in the light of culture, personality, and social location. By exploring medicine through the lenses of history, ethics, law, literature, religion, social science and the arts, students gain insights into the human condition, the experience of suffering, personhood, and the responsibilities of individuals to one another in sickness and in health. Students also learn to cultivate that most important instrument of healing—their individual selves. Drawing on the tradition of the humanities, students will learn to direct their own learning and self-development – posing questions and seeking their own answers.

Requirements

This program will require that specific activities be completed throughout all four years of medical school.

In summary, during the first two years of medical school certificate students take an Introduction to the Medical Humanities coures that explores a vast array of topics over a 2-year period. There is also an evening seminar series where outside speakers further engage students to a variety of topics including how to integrate the humanities into a medical practice. Students are also exposed to clinical ethics through grand rounds and all students must enroll in a least two McGovern sponsored blue book electives by the end of the second year.

In the third year, all students attend a writing workshop and keep journal entries documenting their experiences during their clinical rotations.

In the fourth year all students must enroll and successfully complete the Humanistic Elements of Medicine elective. This course is offered twice during the academic year and includes a research project.

Attached is a list of requirements and an application form. Interested students must apply before the end of their first year of medical school.

How am I rewarded for participating?

Upon completion of the certificate requirements, students will receive special designation as John P. McGovern Humanities Scholars. They will also have the opportunity to present research papers in Medical Center forums and at national meetings. This designation will be noted on the student's permanent transcript, in the Dean's letter, and at graduation. Additionally, graduates will receive a McGovern Humanities Scholar Certificate at graduation.

For additional information please e-mail Dr. Cheryl Erwin