Teaching medical humanities through film discussions

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Medical Humanities
• Bioethics

Background:

• Traditional medical ethics education often focuses on cognitive principles like justice and autonomy.
• There is a need for affective learning to cultivate empathy and sensitivity in future physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a film discussion elective designed to enhance medical students' ethical sensitivity.
• To explore the use of film as a tool for affective learning in medical education.

Main Methods:

• A pass/fail elective course was offered over two quarters, meeting weekly for one hour.
• Each session involved watching a film followed by group discussion on various social issues.
• The course aimed to promote introspection and reflection on ethical themes.

Main Results:

• The elective successfully increased ethical sensitivity among medical students.
• Film discussions facilitated a focus on caring, relatedness, and sensitivity.
• Students engaged in introspection and reflection on complex social issues.

Conclusions:

• Film discussion is an effective method for promoting the affective dimension of medical practice.
• This approach complements traditional cognitive ethics training by fostering empathy and the relief of suffering.