STM publisher Elsevier has announced the Art + Medicine: How Art Can Make Better Doctors conference. Co-sponsored by Jefferson Medical College and Elsevier, the conference is scheduled to be held from November 2-3, 2013, at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. It coincides with the annual meeting of the American Association of Medical Colleges in Philadelphia.
The conference is designed to encourage physicians, medical educators and students to discover the role that art can play in medical education, scientific research, patient care and professional development.
In a pioneering study by Yale University researchers on whether medical students' observational skills can be enhanced through systematic training using representational paintings (JAMA, Vol. 286, No. 9, 9-5-2001), the researchers wrote, "Observational skills that define the astute clinician are usually only acquired after years of clinical experience. Recognizing both the subtle and obvious visual details is a critical aspect of visual diagnosis or 'seeing.'"
For more than 10 years, Jefferson Medical College has been a leader among medical schools using the humanities and particularly art to hone skills in observation, diagnosis, and understanding of patients' needs.
Art + Medicine will present four programs featuring artists and educators whose work is a collaboration of art and medicine.
For the complete agenda and to register, interested parties may visit Elsevier Health. All events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited; reservations are required.
