MEDICAL STUDENTS MAKE ART TO LEARN SCIENCE
Medical students learn about art making to develop their medical observation skills.
Partner Organization: Area515 Makerspace, Des Moines University Medical Humanities Society
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Medical students have notoriously difficult course loads. After all, they essentially have to know everything about how the human body works from gross anatomy to tiny cellular interactions. But science isn't everything when it comes to the art of medicine. Empathy, communication, creative problem solving, and visual spatial reasoning are all examples of skills that can help medical students be better doctors that aren't covered in typical science courses. The Medical Humanities Society at Des Moines University aims to build these skills and engage in experiences and discussions around subjects which aren't covered or emphasized in the core curriculum.
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Research tells us that participating in art experiences can improve medical student's observational skills and that art training could help medical students become better clinical observers.
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I worked with the president of the DMU Medical Humanities Society, Dr. Sarah Werning; professor and gross anatomy instructor at DMU, Dr. Gary Hoff; Cardiologist, recently retired professor at DMU, and fine artist, and Area 515 Makerspace to develop a SciArt workshop for medical students.
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Thank you to the individuals who have donated their bodies to benefit the education of future medical professionals.