Developing your Interpersonal Skill Set Using Art and the Study of Stigmatized Populations 2.5 Credits/Maximum of 2.5

Catalog description

As physicians we treat patients who come from highly diverse and often unfamiliar backgrounds. We strive to be sensitive to each patient's needs and humane in our interactions. Using art and a selection of readings, this course seeks to hone the student's critical skills of observation - incorporating visual cues to help us to observe, hear and therefore understand our patients better. Class readings explore the integral role of cultural background and the many unique challenges that stigmatized populations often face. The readings are discussed and the student is encouraged to self reflect in order to recognize bias, advance their cultural humility and embrace an open approach to learning about others who might be different than ourselves. The readings may be modified to respond to each class' diverse interests. To introduce art analysis as a means of honing observational skills, the class takes a field trip to The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia (virtual in 2021). Dr. Barnes' goal was to highlight the unique interrelationships of varied artists and a range of art forms. Dr. Barnes' unique perspective has been credited in part to his study of medicine - as the evaluation of a patient often requires us to weave together disparate elements and details to make a correct diagnosis.