How Looking at Art Teaches Self-Discovery and Patient Care to Medical Students

As a former hospital chaplain and current museum docent, I have learned that looking at art can be a valuable tool for self-discovery and for enhancing medical education. This understanding led to creating a course to teach medical students to observe both art and patients deeply. In museums, the students practiced looking at paintings and describing what they saw and felt. By looking at artwork, they practiced observational skills, critical thinking, self-awareness, respect for difference, and communication. Facilitated museum visits like this can prompt the integration of heart and mind to enhance medical care.