• What is the value of studying the humanities in the field of health professions? • How might a topic such as art, literature, music, dance, etc. from other time periods enhance your career and personal life
In the present? • Select one aspect of the humanities that is meaningful to your personal life and one for career. Explain how is each meaningful. • In addition, include a specific example of a work (a specific work of art, literature, theater, or music) that you feel is meaningful to your personal life and/or career. Explain the connection.
Studying the humanities in the field of health professions can provide important insights into the human experience, including cultural and historical perspectives that are relevant to understanding patients and their health outcomes. For example, studying literature or art can help healthcare professionals develop empathy and improve communication skills with patients who may come from diverse backgrounds.
Exploring topics such as art, literature, music, and dance from other time periods can enhance both personal and professional life by broadening perspectives and encouraging critical thinking skills. Exposure to cultural works can stimulate creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
One aspect of the humanities that is meaningful to my personal life is music. Listening to music has been shown to have numerous mental and emotional benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood. Personally, I find that listening to classical music helps me relax and focus, especially during times of stress or anxiety.
In my career as a healthcare professional, I find that literature is a valuable aspect of the humanities. Reading works of fiction or memoirs can provide insights into the experiences of patients, and can help me develop empathy and understanding for their unique situations. For example, the novel “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot tells the story of a woman whose cancer cells were used without her consent for scientific research, raising important ethical questions that are relevant to healthcare today.
In conclusion, studying the humanities can provide valuable insights into the human experience that can enhance both personal and professional life. By exploring cultural works such as music and literature, healthcare professionals can develop important skills and perspectives that can benefit patients and their communities.
