Innovation Through Tradition: Rediscovering the "Humanist" in the Medical Humanities

Area of Science:

• Medical Humanities
• History of Medicine
• Renaissance Studies

Background:

• The field of medical humanities has a fifty-year history marked by evolving definitions and roles.
• The term 'medical humanities' itself is dynamic and subject to ongoing debate.
• Understanding the field's identity requires exploring its foundational narratives.

Observation:

• This study examines the concept of origin narratives to define the medical humanities.
• A key origin narrative involves the rediscovery of the Renaissance studia humanitatis curriculum.
• This narrative intertwines the history of studia humanitatis with the scholars who revived it.

Findings:

• The studia humanitatis serves as a foundational origin narrative for the medical humanities.
• This narrative establishes the medical humanities as both a moral practice and a pedagogical endeavor.
• The historical roots provide a basis for contemporary medical humanities work.

Implications:

• Medical humanists can leverage their historical understanding to inform their work in translational science.
• Recognizing these origins can enhance the relevance and impact of medical humanities in practice.
• The study highlights the importance of historical context in shaping the future of the medical humanities.