Humanities in Medicine

Medicine is often the context for some of the most important experiences in human life. While much of medicine is rightly devoted to ways that science and technology can improve life and reduce suffering, the human meaning of these experiences that reach from birth to death is best captured in the languages of the humanities and the arts. The Trent Center’s program in Medical Humanities provides innovative educational and discovery experiences that broaden our understanding of human health and health care. The program draws on expertise from faculty throughout the university, engaging literature, spirituality, music, philosophy, and art to foster humanism in patient care and flourishing among clinicians, including students at all levels. In our programs and scholarship we aim to advance knowledge, improve teaching, and contribute to our community on local, national, and international levels, framing the world of medicine from the perspective of the humanities in order to contribute to a richer account of the purposes and goals of contemporary health care.