The influence of the literary figure Anton Chekhov on the physician Anton Chekhov. The contribution of interdisciplinarity to the development of soft skills in healthcare professionals

ABSTRACT The intersection of health and humanistic disciplines and its numerous benefits has been a matter of concern for scientists since the late 19th century. Over the next years and up to the present day, significant steps have been made globally in this direction, with a plethora of research supporting the positive effects of this connection. In this paper, we focus on a specific case of a writer and physician, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (case-study). We examine the influence of the writer-artist on the doctor-scientist. Our main research material is his extensive correspondence, which serves as his personal testimony regarding both his ideas and actions. Additionally, we examine other available texts of his, literary and other, to draw conclusions. Our main questions are: • What are the elements of Chekhov's literary persona that intersect with and influence the physician Chekhov? • How and to what extent can these elements prove useful today in the development of soft skills for professionals in the healthcare field? Detailed observation, communication with patients, empathy and social activism are key points that correspond to qualities often referred to as "soft skills" and are considered extremely important for healthcare professionals by many experts. Based on the above and the example Chekhov set in relation to the above, we align ourselves with scientists who advocate for the usefulness or even necessity of introducing arts education courses into the education of physicians and healthcare professionals in general.