Janna Lopez Leads Creighton University Medical Students In Poetry Learning As Part Of Identity Formation
"Medical Humanities." Often misunderstood, misrepresented, taken for granted and wholly misapplied in terms of value, relevance and context in the health care industry. It consistently breaks my heart to come across people who'd rather stay embedded in a bevy of false beliefs about what Medical Humanities actually means, rather than open up curiosity about ideals that would ultimately support their missions.
Which is why my work of teaching poetry to medical students at Creighton University School of Medicine is so evolutionary and progressive. They learn about the many benefits of Self-care, Self-connection, and Self-compassion through poetry while in school and AS PART OF their identity formation. The Medical Humanities program at Creighton's School of Medicine offers one of THE most well-rounded and grounded programs in healthcare recognizing WHO each student is becomes an essential part of HOW they're cultivated as physicians.
As educators and institutions knowing the great extents of moral injury, depression, dissatisfaction and burnout in the medical field, keeping people connected to purpose and emotional wellness through a range of humanities-based approaches gives me so much hope and seems like a non-negotiable investment for our future...
