November 11, 2021

The use of the arts in medicine, or medical humanities, has become increasingly popular in medical education. Some of the suggested benefits are improved patient communication and personal reflection, improved communication, empathy and comfort processing difficult concepts like ambiguity and death. There is also some evidence that suggests that engaging with art may improve life expectancy! Through a joint venture pioneered by Drexel’s Physician Assistant Program, educational experts in the PA program and at the Barnes have developed programming that teaches participants critical work and life skills through observing and discussing art. Programs like this can be applied to disciplines as diverse as medicine, business, social justice, public service and education. Keep an eye out for opportunities for alumni to attend events like this as the Barnes as an offering that we’re developing just for you!

This program was featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer (2020).

Pictured are Caroline Shi '20 and PhD student Katrina Carroll-Haskins.