What value is there in a medicine and literature class? A scholarly review on the topic, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, can be found here.
To date, there is no longitudinal data to suggest that teaching humanism though literary texts results in a more caring, empathetic doctor. Of course, an elective in medicine in literature will self select motivated students interested in both literature and doctoring. Regardless, the point is to stimulate thought and reflection on the experience of patients and physicians through narrative and to put these reactions in writing, for discussion and feedback, via an on-line discussion board.
If this exercise serves to spark even the smallest interest in the human competencies of medicine, then the class will be well worth it.
