Program in Medical Humanities

The Program in Medical Humanities offers a distinctive education at Oregon State University and in Oregon through:

• Multidisciplinary expertise in core fields of medical anthropology, medical ethics, medical history, and narrative medicine;
• Unique opportunities for students to meet and converse with nationally renowned scholars and leaders in the medical field;
• Teaching collaborations between academic professors and practicing physicians;
• An innovative curriculum and certificate in medical humanities for undergraduate students;
• Workshops for health professionals on diversity and cultural competency;
• Collaborations with regional leaders in clinical medicine and education, and in health policy.

This Program also presents numerous projects and functions:

• An annual colloquium for students on “The Art of Healing” in collaboration with the University Honors College and the Pre-Medical Program;
• Public lectures or readings on vital questions in health care and medicine from nationally-acclaimed visiting writers, scholars, and medical practitioners;

The Program advances these goals for its future development:

• To provide the next generation of health care professionals with an understanding of the role of the humanities in their profession;
• To provide the cultural expertise, historical perspective, modes of critical thinking, and the clarity of expression of the humanities for professional educators and policymakers;
• To undertake research that makes a difference in national discussion on vital issues in health care.