The Power of Narratives: How the Medical Humanities Impacts Patient Care

October 8, 2018 -
5:00pm to 6:30pm

Abstract: As the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School considers creation of an undergraduate certificate in medical humanities, Dr. Thurston, who co-teaches a medical school elective entitled Narrative and the Experience of Illness, will examine the history of the field and highlight how it contributes to clinicians’ education and their development of empathy and communication skills. He will explore the past and present intersection between medicine and the humanities, and how strengthening this union may impact patient care. The distinction between medical humanities and narrative medicine will be explained, and empirical studies of their respective contributions to patient care will be reviewed. The lecture will conclude with discussion of future directions for the field and opportunities for integration of medical humanities in a range of clinical settings.

Medical Humanities Mondays Lecture

Location and Address

602 Cathedral of Learning