| The stressful demands and challenges of residency can dehumanize physicians and ultimately may result in an indifference to and inhumane patient care. As a result, many patients are disillusioned by and dissatisfied with current medical practices and may feel dehumanized as well. This phenomenon, however, can be rectified for humanism and scientific medicine are not incompatible. This study shows how to develop a symmetry between the science and art of medicine. The focus of this dissertation examines Medical Humanities instruction during an internal medicine residency. I argue that there is perceived value to Medical Humanities instruction during residency as evidenced by a study conducted at Raritan Bay Medical Center where humanities instruction is an integral part of the Internal Medicine Residency curriculum. As the residents indicated, this form of instruction helps build confidence, contributes to the development of communication skills which enhance the patient/physician relationship, and serves as a source of knowledge when they are confronted with ethical dilemmas. Furthermore, the Humanities, Narrative, and Ethics Conferences remind residents that beneath the disease is a whole person who in body, mind, and spirit seeks their help. Clearly, the residents perceive that their ability and skills to provide compassionate care are a benefit of Medical Humanities training. Additionally, the multi-dimensional research includes one resident's story as she (Dr. Rajagopal) learns and applies humanistic skills. The resident's perceptions of and reactions to the material discussed in the Medical Humanities Conferences, as well as information obtained during numerous interviews, augment the findings obtained in the survey. Integrating Medical Humanities instruction during residency affords physicians the opportunity to develop and hone both clinical and humanistic acumen. The effectiveness of the program at Raritan Bay Medical Center will enable residents to provide competent, compassionate care as positive role models for future residents and for the patients they will heal. |
