Communicating in Verse: How Reading Poetry Can Expand How We Care for Patients

Area of Science:

• Medical Humanities
• Medical Education
• Poetry Therapy

Background:

• Medical humanities, including literature, are recognized for enriching medical training.
• The specific mechanisms through which humanities enhance medical practice remain an area for exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the mechanisms by which poetry enriches medical training and patient care.
• To explore how engaging with poetry can enhance physicians' experiences and skills.

Main Methods:

• Reflective analysis by a faculty member and former medical student.
• Experience gained from an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional poetry seminar.

Main Results:

• Poetry reading can enhance observational skills in medical professionals.
• Engaging with poetry helps model an appreciation for uncertainty in clinical practice.
• Poetry can be a source of joy, positively impacting the medical experience.

Conclusions:

• Poetry offers a valuable tool for enhancing medical training and patient care.
• Institutions should consider integrating poetry into medical curricula.
• The practice of reading poetry can foster key attributes for effective and compassionate medical practice.